“Who doesn’t care about human rights? We’re all human, right?” – Katrina Dale, MSW

Season two officially launches on Aug. 7, and we can't wait for you to experience all the incredible stories we have lined up! This year is especially special because not only do we explore critical topics around suicide, mental health, the "Black Experience," and trauma, but the representation of people living with both visible and invisible disabilities and the advocates who support them, have increased tremendously!

Despite being once in the thick valley of alcoholism, Jessica Williams has reached many incredible peeks throughout her life. But even so, she is still on the journey to becoming the person she was always meant to be.

In this conversation, Jessica and I explore the detrimental impact of bullying, including her sad yearning for death as a child; the role popularity and ensuing “power” played in Jessica’s high school metamorphosis into a bully herself; and the lack of escapism and emotional safety children today have to deal with as a result of our “always on and with you” digital world.

Next, we dive into the thick of Jessica’s alcoholism, including the extremely dangerous alcoholic-incentivized reward system she put in place in college in exchange for a 4.0 GPA; the role promotions and other outward successes played in fueling her discrete “functioning alcoholic” status for years; her journey to sobriety in Jan. 2020, including the multiple rock bottoms she had to hit along the way; and discuss the very sad struggle she and many others face regarding disclosing at the risk of backlash.

Then, we talk about Jessica’s tough experiences as a female of color in the workplace; discuss her social impact work through Hidden Gem Career Coaching, a company on the mission to help women of color find upward mobility in their careers; and discuss the immense value of belonging, and tangible steps privileged leaders and organizations can take today to create a true sense of belonging in the workplace.

Disclaimer: Not Your Average GOAT is produced and edited by Teisha Gillespie with music by Anton Vlasov and Serge Quadrado. All content is copyrighted and should not be reproduced, recreated or reused without explicit permission. Please visit NotYourAverageGOAT.org/Contact for questions.

From abusive foster families to violent racism to extreme depression, dark experiences tortured Terrell Jackson for most of his life, but he found a way to turn these trying times into the fuel that powers his dream of promoting, supporting and connecting Black creatives.

In this conversation, we explore what life is like as an orphan, including the impact of physical abuse and nepotism; Terrell’s journey traveling from family to family; and struggles with  not feeling “normal” and life-long anxiety.

Next, we dive into Terrell’s Air Force career; talk about the immense, racially-charged culture shock he faced moving from California to Florida in the early 90’s; and some near-death attacks and internal squad corruption he faced for being a Black man.

Then, we zoom in on the extremely severe depression Terrell fell into during the pandemic, causing him to lose over 60 pounds and his grasp on reality; discuss his journey to crawling out of the darkness; and talk about his initiative with The Color BLCK, and how his mission to increase the representation and promotion of Black talents was ultimately born out of his own dark story.

You can follow Terrell/The Color BLCK on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Disclaimer: Not Your Average GOAT is produced and edited by Teisha Gillespie with music by Anton Vlasov and Serge Quadrado. All content is copyrighted and should not be reproduced, recreated or reused without explicit permission. Please visit NotYourAverageGOAT.org/Contact for questions.

Braelyn (Brae) Rasco’s animated personality and connection with dance is  proof you can absolutely be the evidence of your loved ones without being the evidence of traumatic circumstance–but Brae will be the first to admit it’s been “one hell of a journey” sorting through all the layers to get here herself.

In part 1 of this conversation, we explore Brae’s life-long passion for creativity, including writing, drawing, and the special emotional tether she has to her mom through dance; reflect on each of our “young” memories of the 9/11 tragedy; and discuss Brae’s career in marketing and the incredible—and sometimes detrimental—impact social media has on our lives.

Then, we dive into what it was like growing up with a parent suffering from chronic vertigo and some of the regret Brae still holds for not fully understanding the illness back then as well as “shrugging off” unique burdens placed on her; discuss the unfortunate role society and the government played in the early 2000s—and sometimes still plays today—in not supporting people with depression as well as vertigo; and set the stage for Brae’s mother’s tragic suicide.

And throughout, we talk about the importance of dreams and how it is NEVER too late to pursue any of your passions, as well as the tremendous power of, and need for, “the conversation” when it comes to mental health.

We can all help prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States. You can text or call 988 anytime and receive support in English or Spanish.

Disclaimer: Not Your Average GOAT is produced and edited by Teisha Gillespie with music by Anton Vlasov and Serge Quadrado. All content is copyrighted and should not be reproduced, recreated or reused without explicit permission. Please visit NotYourAverageGOAT.org/Contact for questions.