Melanated Musings Podcast

In this final episode of Season 2, Dr. Connell is joined by Pastor Kimberly Bulgin in exploring the idea of living sexually fulfilling lives while also living a Christian life. This isn't you're stereotypical conversation about the Church and Sex. This is about liberation, freedom, and making choices that bring honor and fulfillment to your life. Jump in on the conversation, it's one that you don't want to miss!

Latinx...it's a term that has been growing in popularity but not all have embraced it with open arms. While things are constantly evolving, is there a place for this evolution within language? Dr. Lavonna Connell and Mr. Perez discuss this in addition to their experience as Afro-Latinos with special tribute to Panama!

We often hear about someone surviving suicide whether that's the person who attempted or the family or friends of the individual. This week, Ms. Stephanie Barbee, LCSW joins in on the conversation as she shares her experience as a survivor in many facets. As she shares this healing story, please remember all the resources available!

www.thetrevorproject.org

www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org

1-800-273-8255

Many of us have experienced dysfunction but do we really understand the impact that is has on us or how it impacts our mental health? Join Dr. Connell and Ms. Irving as we explore this and discuss how to address it. 

Grief can be difficult to talk about. When you are the one grieving, it may be hard to know what is helpful in that moment. When you are supporting someone grieving, it may be difficult to understand how to be of support. In this episode, Dr. Connell and Mr. Toliver of Melanated Social Work Podcast explore grief and how we can be better in supporting those around us. 

Trauma. Research suggests that most adults will experience some type of trauma in their life. For many, that trauma has come in the form of domestic violence, sexual abuse, financial abuse, and physical abuse. For others, it may be car accidents, natural disasters, or a loss leading to grief. No matter the form of your trauma, it is important to address it to obtain optimal mental health. In this episode, Dr. Knight joins me again to explore trauma. This episode will discuss sexual abuse (no graphic details) so if this is triggering, please engage in self-care. Learn ways to protect your kids and heal thyself.

Resource mentioned: Darkness 2 Light: Stewards 2 Children www.d2l.org

In this episode, Dr. McMillan (OBGYN) joins Dr. Connell (Psychologist) in exploring more about women's health. Listen in to this enlightening conversation as a down to earth and realistic view of fertility, perimenopause, and menopause are explored. There's hope out there ladies!

To learn more about Dr. McMillan, go to https://www.housecallwithdrmac.comand check out her book: The Other PMS.

Have you ever wondered why you or your partner experience low libido? Some say that men are much more interested in sex than women. But what if the truth is, we all can have strong libido, if only our hormones were on point, we had the needed conversations, and we address the traumas that may impact our desire to have sex? All this and more is discussed as Dr. Connell (Psychologist) & Dr. Brandye (OBGYN) explore these topics and some of the historical influences that have left the Black community apprehensive to engage in medical care.

For more information about Dr. Bandye, go to her website: https://drbrandyemd.com/about

Depression, suicide, self-injury, anxiety…mental health stigma is perpetuated when we say that it doesn't impact us. Reality is, we all know at least one person who has experienced a mental health diagnosis. In this episode, Dr. Connell speaks with Mr. Zach Troutman as he shares his experience with suicide. The ensuing emotions, conversations, and cause that came from such an impactful event are discussed. Healing relationships and passing on the importance of mental health to the next generation will be addressed as well.

For more information about Mr. Troutman and Follow the Leader, go to: https://joinftl.org

Faith is important in the Black community. What role does it play within mental health? Emotional health is important and we must learn how to address it in a healthy manner in order to obtain healing. Join Dr. Connell and Pastor Joshua Smith, counselor and minister, as he brings a unique perspective of allowing mental health and faith collide. For more information about Pastor Joshua Smith, go to: https://thejoshuasmith.com