Life More Abundantly: The Podcast with Eboni & Tynisha

This week on Life More Abundantly, Dr. Eboni Haynes and Dr. Tynisha Camae Drennon kick things off with a real-time conversation about the Morehouse–Tuskegee post-game incident and what it reveals about accountability, safety, and the painful history of Black people being publicly detained.

Then, in honor of Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care Education Week (Feb 14–21), they shift into a much-needed, community-centered discussion on dementia and caregiving—especially what it looks like for Black families. Dr. Eboni shares why this topic is personal and timely, including her experience helping create a dementia-friendly congregation.

The heart of the episode is an interview with Dr. Fayron Epps, the Karen and Ron Herman Endowed Chair in Caregiver Research at UT Health San Antonio. Dr. Epps breaks down the difference between dementia (the umbrella term) and Alzheimer’s (the most common type), explains why vascular dementia is especially relevant in Black communities, and offers practical, proactive guidance for caregivers—from education and legal/financial planning to safety planning, respite care, and self-care.

They also spotlight an often-overlooked reality: youth caregivers. Dr. Epps shares why teens and young adults need to be seen, supported, and educated when dementia affects their households.

To close, the “Herbal Tea” segment brings a pop-culture moment (a viral boxing hairpiece mishap) back to wellness with a reminder about self-acceptance and laughing at yourself—followed by a candid conversation about public nudity in fashion culture and what it means for boundaries, norms, and the messages we send to kids.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• What happened in the Morehouse–Tuskegee controversy and why it matters

• Alzheimer’s vs. dementia: what’s the difference?

• Why Black communities face higher dementia risk—and the link to cardiovascular health

• Caregiver must-dos: education, grief support, proactive planning, and self-care

• Safety planning tips (home setup, monitoring, wandering prevention)

• How to start hard conversations about finances without family conflict

• Respite care options and where to look for local resources

• Youth caregivers: why they’re often invisible—and how we can do better

  
  

Resources mentioned:

• Alzheimer’s Association: https://www.alz.org/

• Area Agencies on Aging (AAA)

• Empowerline Atlanta: empowerline.org

• ALTER Dementia Summit: alterdementia.com

• Dr. Fayron Epps: drfayron.com

  
  

  Join Dr. Eboni in this challenge by making a donation here: https://www.facebook.com/donate/25074472658892166/10233063872443827/. All donations are tax-deductible.

Black History Month isn’t just a celebration - it’s a reminder to protect the people who carry the legacy. In Episode 5 of Life More Abundantly, Dr. Eboni Haynes kicks off the month with a quick, powerful history lesson on how Black History Month became a national observance - and why we should never take it for granted.

Then, we shift into American Heart Month with a conversation that could save a life. Eboni is joined by Patrick Packer, CEO and founder of Davis Henry CBD Wellness and Health Store (Birmingham, AL), who shares his personal story of having a heart attack despite being active - and how his warning signs felt more like “acid reflux” than the dramatic chest pain people expect.

Together, they break down what our community needs to know right now:

• The heart attack symptoms we’re most likely to brush off
• How stress, busyness, and generational trauma can quietly wear down our bodies
• Why knowing your family health history matters
• Simple, realistic habits that support heart health (movement, food choices, portion shifts)
• The importance of CPR training and having AEDs in churches and community spaces

Plus: the “Herbal Tea” segment, community calendar notes, and a reminder to wear red on Friday, February 6 for National Wear Red Day.

Listen, share, and check on somebody you love - because Black history is American history, and protecting Black hearts is community care.

Referenced in this show:

• Learn about our cultural (and healthier) food traditions at Oldwayspt.org
• Donate to Beauty 2 The Streetz in honor of its founder, Shirley Raines: www.b2ts.org
• TSA confirm ID website: www.tsa.gov/realID
• National Newspaper Publishers Association: www.nnpa.org

Our Guest, Patrick Packer:

• https://www.instagram.com/patrickpackercbd
• https://www.facebook.com/patrick.packer.10/

Datus Henry CBD Wellness & Health:

• https://datushenry.com/

• 1525 4th Ave North, Birmingham, AL 35203

Stalking and substance use are public health crises that demand compassionate, judgment-free conversations. Yet, stigma and shame often silence survivors and those seeking help.

In this episode, Drs. Eboni Haynes and Tynisha Camae Drennon explore the prevention strategies, protective measures, and pathways to healing that can save lives and restore peace.

We're diving into:

• Recognizing stalking behaviors and safety planning
• Breaking the stigma around substance use disorder
• Trauma-informed approaches to prevention and treatment
• How to support survivors without judgment
• Resources and organizations making a difference
• Real stories of resilience and recovery

This episode is for survivors, loved ones, healthcare providers, and anyone who wants to understand these critical issues without the shame.

Plus, we're keeping it real with our discussion on the drama at Morris Brown College and Sinners' record-breaking Oscar nominations - because we believe in addressing serious topics AND having good conversation.

Share this episode widely. These conversations save lives.

Resource mentioned:

• SAMHSA Substance Use Disorder Treatment Facilities: https://findtreatment.gov

Have thoughts? Questions? Send us an email or voice note: [email protected]

Black maternal mortality is a crisis. Over 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable, yet Black women die at three times the rate of white women from pregnancy complications. In this powerful episode, Dr. Eboni Haynes and Dr. Tynisha Camae Drennon dive deep into the systemic racism embedded in our healthcare system and what every Black woman needs to know to survive it.

We honor Dr. Janelle Green Smith, a 31-year-old certified midwife, nurse, scholar, and maternal health advocate who tragically passed away from childbirth complications. Her story is a stark reminder that education, credentials, and resources don't protect Black women from a broken system.

In this conversation, we're talking about:

• Systemic racism in maternal healthcare
• Why Black women are dismissed and how to advocate for yourself
• Finding culturally competent care that actually listens
• What happens before, during, and after pregnancy
• Real stories of medical negligence and survival
• The importance of having support and asking questions
• Policy changes and organizations fighting for Black maternal health

This episode is for everyone—moms, partners, sisters, friends, and anyone who loves a Black woman. Share it widely. And keep the Smith family in your prayers.

Resources mentioned:

• GoFundMe for Dr. Janelle Green Smith's family: https://gofund.me/0629efd35
• American College of Nurse Midwives (ACNM): https://midwife.org/
• Black Maternal Health Caucus (led by Congresswomen Alma Adams and Laura Underwood): https://blackmaternalhealthcaucus-underwood.house.gov/
• American Civil Liberties Union: https://www.aclu.org/

Have thoughts? Questions? Send us an email or voice note: [email protected]

This week, Dr. Eboni Haynes and Dr. Tynisha Drennon keep it real about stress - what’s stressing them out right now, what research says are the “top” stressors in life, and what Black communities often carry that doesn’t always make the list. From racism and microaggressions to work-life imbalance, money pressure, major health conditions, grief, and breakups, they share practical ways to cope—without pretending the stress isn’t real.

What We Covered

• Why so many of us feel like we live in a perpetual state of stress

• The “top five” stressors in general vs. stressors that uniquely impact Black health

• Racism, anti-Blackness, and the daily stress of microaggressions

• Work-life balance, hustle culture, and why taking work to bed isn’t a flex

• Financial stress: small wins, saving strategies, and using your benefits (PTO + reimbursements)

• Health stress: the importance of preventive care, primary care, and bringing someone with you to big appointments

• Grief beyond death: breakups, losses, and unmet expectations

• Mental health support: therapy, medication stigma, and the role of movement, sleep, and self-care

Practical Takeaways (Do This This Week)

• Use “the pause.” Before you respond to an email, comment, or conflict—pause, breathe, pray, walk, reset.

• Take your PTO strategically. Stack PTO around holidays to get longer breaks with fewer days used.

• Check your benefits. Look for reimbursements, wellness perks, and hidden benefits (like roadside assistance).

• Move your body. Even 30 minutes can shift your mood and energy.

• Prioritize sleep. Stop trying to run on 3–4 hours—your body keeps receipts.

• Get preventive care. Don’t let fear or avoidance turn “what if” into a crisis.

If You Lose Health Insurance (Resources Mentioned)

• Special Enrollment Period: Losing a job is a qualifying life event (typically 60 days to enroll).
• Marketplace: https://www.healthcare.gov

• Federally Qualified Health Centers (sliding scale): https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov

• Ask for the cash price. Providers often have a cash rate and can share programs or options if you ask.

• Payment plans: Hospitals and many providers may offer payment plans (urgent care often does not).

Calendar + Community Shoutouts

• National Pharmacists Day: Pharmacists can do more than fill prescriptions—immunizations, screenings, chronic disease support, and medication guidance.

• Delta Sigma Theta Founders Day: Celebrating 113 years of scholarship, sisterhood, and service.

Herbal Tea Segment (Turning “gossip” into something beneficial for the community)

• The “psychosis of critique”: when commentary crosses into name-calling, bullying, and pulpit policing

• Can we still receive critique in love—and keep disagreements civil?

• A reminder to take accusations seriously while maintaining “innocent until proven guilty”

Next Week’s Topic

Maternal Health (and yes—men should tune in too).

Send Us Your Questions

• Email: [email protected]
• Text/submit: enjoylifemoreabundantly.com/podcast

Subscribe + Share

If this episode helped you, share it with someone you love—and make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss next week.

In our very first episode of Life More Abundantly, Dr. Eboni Haynes and Dr. Tynisha Camae Drennon pull up a chair and introduce what this podcast is really about: talking Black health the way we talk about everything else—real, out loud, and with love… with receipts, not rumors.

We share how this podcast came to be, why “Life More Abundantly” matters (yes, John 10:10—but we’re not here to be churchy), and how faith, culture, and community shape the way we care for our bodies, minds, relationships, and everyday choices.

Then we get into the new year energy: what Americans say their 2026 resolutions are, what’s actually realistic, and why “small wins” might be the most powerful health strategy you try this year. We talk Atomic Habits, tiny upgrades that stick, and how your environment can either support your goals—or sabotage them.

Next up: a decluttering rundown inspired by a “start the year lighter” list. If you’ve ever said “I’ll do it later,” this part is for you.

In our Community Calendar segment, we spotlight International Quality of Life Month and do a quick, no-shame check-in to help you figure out what area of your life needs attention first—energy, stress, support, purpose, boundaries, or security.

And of course… we sip a little “Herbal Tea” — not gossip for gossip’s sake, but trending topics that open the door to real conversations about values, public perception, and community well-being.

Next week, we’re going deeper into stress—because whew… we all feel it.

Send your comments/questions to: [email protected] and make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss what’s next.