In this timely episode of Full Circle, we focus on the importance of enrolling in health coverage through Covered California and what Californians need to know before the January 31, 2026 open enrollment deadline.

Dr. Monica Soni, Chief Medical Officer and Chief Deputy Executive Director at Covered California, joins the show to explain:

• What Covered California is and how it serves as California’s official health insurance marketplace

• How Covered California helps individuals and families connect to quality, affordable health plans

• Why nearly 92% of enrollees receive financial assistance

• The role and impact of Enhanced Premium Tax Credits (EPTCs) and what their expiration means for Californians

• How California has stepped in with $190 million in state-funded tax credits for individuals earning up to 165% of the federal poverty level

• Why preventive care should be viewed as an essential, everyday practice—not just something we seek during emergencies

In the second hour, we slow things down and simplify what can often feel overwhelming:

• A recap of the key takeaways from the conversation with Dr. Soni

• A clear explanation of the penalty for not having health insurance and how to weigh it against the risks of being uninsured

• Why reviewing your coverage annually matters—even if you already have a plan

• Encouragement for families to prioritize preventive care, wellness visits, and early intervention

• Empowering listeners to make informed, confident decisions about their health and finances

This episode is about demystifying health coverage, reducing fear, and helping our community understand that access to care is both possible and necessary.

Open Enrollment Deadline: January 31, 2026

Here’s what you can do today:
✔️ To explore your options, visit Covered California or call them at 1-800-300-1506

✔️ Check if you qualify for financial assistance or state-funded tax credits
✔️ Compare plans and costs—don’t assume you can’t afford coverage
✔️ Consider the penalty for being uninsured and weigh it against the cost of coverage and preventive care

Health insurance is not just about avoiding penalties—it’s about protecting your future, your family, and your peace of mind.

Listen. Learn. Enroll. Because informed choices lead to healthier lives.

This was an extremely powerful and deeply personal episode of Full Circle.

In this intimate conversation, Ms. Wanda sits down with Natalie McGee, Founder and CEO of Heart Relationship Management, to explore how a heart event in April 2025 became a profound spiritual awakening that shifted Natalie’s perspective on life, leadership, and purpose. Natalie's experience served as a wake-up call—one that deeply impacted her family and clarified her mission to advocate for women’s heart health.

Natalie shares how this moment reshaped how she listens to her body, honors her relationships, and shows up in the world. The conversation centers the emotional and spiritual aftermath of a heart event rather than medical diagnosis, offering a rare and honest look at what happens after the crisis passes.

This episode is especially significant for Black women. According to the American Heart Association, Black women experience higher rates of cardiovascular-related events and complications, often at younger ages. These realities make conversations rooted in awareness, reflection, and community support not only important, but necessary.

Listener Takeaways

• Heart events can be spiritual and emotional turning points, not just medical moments.

• Health scares affect families as much as individuals.

• Purpose and clarity often emerge through vulnerability and lived experience.

• Advocacy begins with awareness and the courage to speak up, even without a diagnosis.

Call to Action
Natalie McGee is turning her experience into impact through the American Heart Association’s Women of Impact campaign. You can support this work by joining her Impact Team, attending an informational meeting, helping raise awareness, and sharing this episode with your community. Learn more and get involved at womenofimpact.heart.org.

Why This Episode Matters
This conversation creates space for the stories we don’t hear often enough—the emotional, spiritual, and familial impact of heart events, particularly for Black women. It is a reminder that listening to your heart can be both lifesaving and life-changing.

Closing Reflection
As the final live episode of Full Circle for 2025, this conversation brings us exactly where we need to be—grounded in truth, reflection, and purpose. It invites us to slow down, pay attention, and choose awareness and action for ourselves and the people we love.

Some conversations stay with you. This is one of them.

Episode Guests:

Stephanie Brown, Facilities Operations Coordinator
Kelvin Cao, Senior External Affairs CoordinatorIn this special two-hour episode, Full Circle celebrates a year-long partnership with our premium sponsor Sierra Donor Services—a collaboration dedicated to expanding awareness of organ, eye and tissue donation within our Black, Asian and Latino communities.

Hour 1:
We speak with Stephanie Brown, whose extraordinary career path—from mortuary transport to tissue recovery to facility operations—reflects a profound calling to serve others with honor, precision, and compassion. Stephanie offers listeners a rare look behind the scenes of tissue recovery and the people who make donation possible every day.

Hour 2:
We’re joined by Kelvin Cao, whose personal loss fuels his passion for storytelling, community education, and bridging gaps in trust. Kelvin shares the experience of losing his father while he awaited a liver transplant—an experience that shaped his mission to help ensure other families don’t endure the same heartbreak. He also highlights the importance of the holiday season as a moment to choose generosity, hope, and second chances.

Together, our guests help us connect the spirit of giving with the lifesaving mission of donation.

Key Topics:

• The human side of tissue recovery

• Cultural barriers and mistrust in Black, Asian & Latino communities

• The impact of a single donor

• Personal stories that illuminate the mission

• Why the holidays are a powerful time to talk about donation

• How Sierra Donor Services supports donor families and recipients

• Ways community members can get involved

This holiday season, make a decision that could change—and even save—lives.
✔ Register as an organ, eye and tissue donor
✔ Share your decision with your loved ones
✔ Encourage others in your community to learn the truth about donation
✔ Start the conversation at home

To learn more or join the donor registry, visit Sierra Donor Services online.

Together, let’s make this Season of Giving truly life-changing.

In this powerful episode of Full Circle, Ms. Wanda sits down with Phoenix native, entrepreneur, and community-builder Katy Nebblett, founder of Black Women Meetups, a thriving movement dedicated to creating safe, intentional spaces for Black women to connect, collaborate, and grow.

Katy shares her journey from communications professional and social media coach to becoming the leader of a dynamic women's organization that’s changing the landscape of community engagement in Arizona. She opens up about how meaningful connection—not just socializing—inspired her to create events that uplift and empower Black women entrepreneurs, creators, and professionals.

The conversation explores the growing business and cultural crossover between California and Arizona, the importance of building regional community, and the shared responsibility we have to support one another across state lines. Katy also talks openly about balancing life’s challenges—including grief—and how the gym became a place of healing and reset.

Listeners will learn about the upcoming Sip and Connect event happening on November 29th at the Onyx Art Gallery in downtown Phoenix, designed to highlight entrepreneurs, spark collaboration, and bring women together through art and intentional conversation.

This episode is a bridge-builder—reminding us that connection has no borders, community can flourish anywhere, and when Black women come together with purpose, powerful things happen.

• Katy’s entrepreneurial journey and the birth of Black Women Meetups

• Why intentional connection matters more than ever

• The thriving Black community and creative culture in Phoenix

• The CA ↔ AZ connection: building cross-state sisterhood

• Balancing entrepreneurship, PR consulting, social media coaching, and grief

• The mission behind Lit Twist and the goal of supporting Black women through intimate social events

• The importance of creating our own spaces rather than waiting for a seat at someone else’s table

• Details about the upcoming Sip and Connect (Nov. 29) event

• How community support in Arizona has fueled Katy’s growth

• Encouragement for California listeners to travel, connect, collaborate, and expand their networks

Support the movement and follow Katy on Instagram: @blackwomenmeetups
Learn more about her upcoming events, leadership opportunities, and features for Black women entrepreneurs.
If you’re in California—take that short flight! Experience the sisterhood expanding throughout Arizona.

In this special episode of Full Circle, host Ms. Wanda shares portions of her recent appearance on the radio program Politics with J. King and Keisha Matthews. She was joined by two fellow members of the 2025–2026 Sacramento County Civil Grand Jury: Foreperson Lori Sopwith and Community Engagement Chair Nolice Edwards.

This hybrid edition gives listeners an inside look at the role, purpose, and importance of the Civil Grand Jury, especially as the application period for the upcoming jury year officially opens.

Throughout this episode, listeners will learn:

• What the Sacramento County Civil Grand Jury is and how it operates
• The difference between Grand Jury service and traditional jury duty
• The time commitment, expectations, and responsibilities of jurors
• How the Grand Jury investigates and reports on government operations
• Why diversity of experience, culture, and background is essential to the Grand Jury’s effectiveness
• Who can apply and what the ideal candidate looks like
• How the application and interview process works
• Why this is one of the most meaningful ways residents can serve their community

This episode is designed to answer many of the questions people often have about serving. Whether you’re curious, considering applying, or simply want to understand how local government accountability works, this conversation offers clarity and insight.

Call to Action:
The 2025–2026 Sacramento County Civil Grand Jury application period is now open. Serving on the Grand Jury is a unique opportunity to be part of a dedicated body of residents committed to oversight, transparency, and community impact. If you want to make a difference and contribute to good government, we invite you to learn more and apply.

For full details and the online application, visit sacgrandjury.org.

Tune in, get informed, and consider stepping forward to serve.

In this episode of Full Circle, we sat down with representatives from Safe Black Space to talk about their upcoming 6th Annual Kwanzaa Kutoa Celebration, happening Saturday, January 3rd.

This free, family-friendly event honors seven local Black individuals and families who exemplify the seven principles of Kwanzaa — unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.

We explore how Kwanzaa serves as a blueprint for Black excellence and resilience, how Safe Black Space continues to support healing in our community, and how you can participate by attending or nominating someone who embodies these powerful values.

Tune in for a heart-centered conversation about cultural pride, collective healing, and the joy of giving.

Call to Action:
✅ Nominate a local Black individual or family for this year’s Kwanzaa Kutoa Honoree before December 5th.

✅ Follow @SafeBlackSpace on social media for updates.

✅ Attend the celebration on January 3rd and experience the power of Umoja — unity in community!

✅ Donate to this event or support Safe Black Space all year long.

In this inspiring episode of Full Circle, we sat down with Shante’ Renee’ — The Primary Hair Physician™, a Certified Hair Loss Practitioner, Herbalist, and Womb Wellness Practitioner who’s redefining how women care for their crowns.

Shante’ believes that true hair healing starts from within, blending ancestral wisdom with modern wellness practices to help women restore their hair, health, and harmony. Through her work at The Hair & Wellness Spa and The Renee’ Collection, she’s teaching that “Crown Care is Healthcare” — and that every strand tells a story.

Together, we discuss the root causes of hair loss, the emotional and spiritual impact of losing one’s hair, and how to nurture your scalp, body, and womb for holistic wellness.

Listeners will walk away understanding how to:

• Identify and address the deeper causes of hair loss

• Reconnect with their bodies through natural healing and womb wellness

• Embrace hair care as self-care and self-love

• Begin a personal journey toward alignment and restoration

Whether you’re struggling with alopecia, hormonal imbalances, or just want to feel more connected to your body and your beauty — this episode will inspire you to heal from the inside out.

Learn more or book an appointment by visiting the Renee Collection website

Follow her on Instagram @thereneecollection

In this uplifting episode, I sit down with Mama Nakia Porter, founder of Melanin Day School Academy (MDSA), to celebrate five years of healing, learning, and community transformation.

Founded in 2020 at the height of the pandemic, MDSA has grown into a thriving space where Black families reconnect with culture, creativity, and wellness through education and community engagement. Mama Nakia shares her powerful personal journey of turning trauma into purpose, and how the academy continues to help families bloom beyond pain through holistic, culturally rooted practices.

Hear about the upcoming Sankofa Gala 2025: “Blooming Beyond – A Journey of Collective Healing,” happening Saturday, November 8th — MDSA’s 5th Year Anniversary and Annual Fundraiser. This unforgettable celebration will feature performances from the MDSA Performance Team, community partner showcases, a youth CEO corner, children’s activities, live art, fashion and talent shows, raffles, and more.

Key Topics Covered:

• The 5-year evolution of Melanin Day School Academy

• Turning trauma into transformation through holistic education

• The importance of cultural wellness and collective healing

• How MDSA builds family-centered ecosystems of support

• Highlights of the Sankofa Gala 2025 and its community impact

Journal Prompts for Listeners:

1. What does “blooming beyond” mean to you in your healing journey?

2. How can your family or community create spaces for collective healing?

3. What cultural practices reconnect you to your sense of joy and wholeness?

Call to Action:
Support Melanin Day School Academy by attending the Sankofa Gala 2025: Blooming Beyond – A Journey of Collective Healing, on Saturday, November 8th.

Get your tickets, make a donation, or volunteer today at
Your presence and support help MDSA continue creating safe, holistic spaces for Black families to heal, learn, and thrive together.

This week, Full Circle honors 19 years of healing, advocacy, and transformation with Rev. Tammie Denyse, the heart and co-founder behind Carrie’s TOUCH, a national nonprofit devoted to humanizing the breast cancer experience for Black women and men.

Rev. Tammie shares how Carrie’s TOUCH continues to evolve through Project SOAR (Speaking Our African American Realities) — a groundbreaking research partnership amplifying Black voices and data — and The Healing Lens, a love-centered perspective for storytelling, releasing trauma, and reclaiming joy.

We also dive into their transformative theatrical work, including Dinner with the Youngers, inspired by A Raisin in the Sun, and how the organization is addressing the urgent mental health crisis within Black communities, particularly the alarming rise in suicide rates among Black youth.

As Carrie’s TOUCH celebrates 19 years and looks toward the future, Rev. Tammie calls on us all to “celebrate the 59%” — those who continue to live and thrive beyond breast cancer — while working to end the 41% mortality disparity that persists for Black women.

Key Takeaways:

• How Carrie’s TOUCH is redefining survivorship and thriving beyond breast cancer

• The purpose and impact of Project SOAR

• What it means to view life and healing through The Healing Lens

• How storytelling, theater, and art can spark healing and community wellness

• Why mental health awareness must be part of the conversation on wellness

• How changes in funding impact advocacy organizations and how we can help

Support the organization and learn more by visiting their website https://carriestouch.org/

Follow them on social media @carriestouch

In this deeply insightful episode of Full Circle with Ms. Wanda, we welcome Dr. Dafna Gauthier, Founder and CEO of the Mindsets Empowerment Institute—a movement designed to help women heal, grow, and rise into their fullest potential.

Dr. Dafna brings decades of expertise in psychology, leadership, and mental health to her work, guiding women through the process of releasing old narratives, cultivating resilience, and embracing purpose-driven lives.

Together, we explore her groundbreaking book, Unleashing Insecure Attachments, and discuss how unresolved trauma and attachment patterns affect how we love, lead, and show up in the world.

Dr. Dafna shares her vision for Women of Color Rising, her insights on why healing is revolutionary for Black women, and the power of community in breaking free from fear and self-doubt.

This episode is for any woman ready to shift her mindset, reclaim her story, and live with clarity, confidence, and conviction.

• The birth and purpose of the Mindsets Empowerment Institute

• How our attachments and past experiences shape our adult patterns

• The power of healing and redefining strength as a Black woman

• Dr. Dafna’s practical tools for mindset transformation

• Why community and sisterhood are essential for growth

Connect with Dr. Dafna Gauthier and learn more about her transformative work by following her Instagram @mindsetscounseling
Follow Full Circle and stay connected to conversations that uplift, empower, and inspire women of color everywhere.