Now What

Host: Diane Gil, KeyKey Hussein Moore

Guests: Rastonya Lee M.Ed, LPC

Episode Introduction: 

In today’s episode of the Now What Podcast, Diane and KeKey are joined by special guest Rastonya Lee, M.Ed, LPC who shares her experience and encouragement for all of us to take care of ourselves, so that we can take care of those we love. 

Episode Summary: 

The episode includes personal experiences from Rastonya Lee’s childhood growing up in the suburbs during the white rush era, and the types of services offered by Serene Tranquility Counseling Services for achieving mental wellness and behavioral health. 

We also discuss the importance of self care and mental wellness especially during these uncertain times, in addition to simple steps to make self care a priority now. 

Diane and KeKey make a personal commitment to self care. 

Key Points:

• The stigma associated with self care has come a long way, but communities of color are still most challenged by resources to meet their basic needs (food, water, shelter,etc) often resulting in self care being last on the priority list. 

• It is not uncommon for people with access to resources (financial, private insurance, support systems) to have both a psychiatrist and/or therapist for maintaining mental wellness and also prioritize self care in their daily life.

• Self-care is fundamental to knowing how to ‘bring in balance’ from both negative and positive polarities.

• One can and most often will experience mental decline and/or have a difficult time coping when the mental state is out of its natural alignment with self. 

• Therapy is a form of life coaching, career planning, individual, marriage and couples, children and teenagers— counseling. It helps us achieve everything we ‘seek’ to be, by aligning oneself with the correct theoretical orientation that fits their needs.

• Cognitive Based Therapy (CBT) aims to improve mental health. 

• CBT focuses on challenging and changing unhelpful cognitive distortions and behaviors, improving emotional regulation, and the development of personal coping strategies that target solving current problems.

• One type of CBT is Self Care SPEMS (Social, Physical, Emotional, Mental, and Spiritual) which teaches 5 modules, concepts, interventions, and coping mechanisms for mental wellness.

• Some tips for self-care include:

• • Live Healthy, eat healthy foods, get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and avoid drugs and alcohol. Manage stress and go for regular medical check-ups.

  • Practice good hygiene. Good hygiene is important for social, medical, and psychological reasons in that it not only reduces the risk of illness, but it also improves the way others view you and how you view yourself.

  • See friends to build your sense of belonging. Consider joining a support group to make new friends.

  • Try to do something you enjoy every day. That might mean dancing, watching a favorite TV show, working in the garden, painting or reading.

  • Find ways to relax, like meditation, yoga, getting a massage, taking a bath or walking in the woods.

Call To Actions: BREAK THE STIGMA TIED TO MENTAL HEALTH, SELF CARE, MENTAL ILLNESS

• Look for opportunities to practice self care on your own.

• Give yourself permission to seek support anytime you are your questioning ability or awareness.

• Contact Rastonya Lee, LPC for a free consultation: https://counselingtranquility.com/

Resources:

Rastonya Lee LPC SereneTranquility

Rastonya Lee Therapist Profile: https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/703960

If you or someone you know is in a crisis, seek help immediately:

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – Call 800-273-TALK (8255). 

• Text the Crisis Text Line – Text NAMI to 741-741

• CALL 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) 

• NAMI - https://www.nami.org/home

• Dial 2-1-1 from your cell phone to get in touch with your local non-profit operating 24 hours a day, 365 days each year to access resources and aid in mental health, support groups and counseling services. 

Listen to other episodes: https:// podcasts.apple.com/ us/podcast/now-what/ id1439125172 

Rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts, it helps more people discover us and stay connected with things that matter. 

Tell us what you want to hear, and where you're listening from by completing this brief survey https://survey.libsyn.com/dianegil

REACH US: 

Contact: [email protected] 

Instagram/Twitter: @dianegil_cwc 

Facebook: KeKey Moore, Now What Podcast

This episode was executive produced by: LG Media

Episode show notes by: Diane Gil

Host: Diane Gil, KeyKey Hussein Moore

Guests: Rastonya Lee M.Ed, LPC

Episode Introduction: 

In today’s episode of the Now What Podcast, Diane and KeKey are joined by special guest Rastonya Lee, M.Ed, LPC who shares her experience and encouragement for all of us to take care of ourselves, so that we can take care of those we love. 

Episode Summary: 

The episode includes personal experiences from Rastonya Lee’s childhood growing up in the suburbs during the white rush era, and the types of services offered by Serene Tranquility Counseling Services for achieving mental wellness and behavioral health. 

We also discuss the importance of self care and mental wellness especially during these uncertain times, in addition to simple steps to make self care a priority now. 

Diane and KeKey make a personal commitment to self care. 

Key Points:

• The stigma associated with self care has come a long way, but communities of color are still most challenged by resources to meet their basic needs (food, water, shelter,etc) often resulting in self care being last on the priority list. 

• It is not uncommon for people with access to resources (financial, private insurance, support systems) to have both a psychiatrist and/or therapist for maintaining mental wellness and also prioritize self care in their daily life.

• Self-care is fundamental to knowing how to ‘bring in balance’ from both negative and positive polarities.

• One can and most often will experience mental decline and/or have a difficult time coping when the mental state is out of its natural alignment with self. 

• Therapy is a form of life coaching, career planning, individual, marriage and couples, children and teenagers— counseling. It helps us achieve everything we ‘seek’ to be, by aligning oneself with the correct theoretical orientation that fits their needs.

• Cognitive Based Therapy (CBT) aims to improve mental health. 

• CBT focuses on challenging and changing unhelpful cognitive distortions and behaviors, improving emotional regulation, and the development of personal coping strategies that target solving current problems.

• One type of CBT is Self Care SPEMS (Social, Physical, Emotional, Mental, and Spiritual) which teaches 5 modules, concepts, interventions, and coping mechanisms for mental wellness.

• Some tips for self-care include:

• • Live Healthy, eat healthy foods, get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and avoid drugs and alcohol. Manage stress and go for regular medical check-ups.

  • Practice good hygiene. Good hygiene is important for social, medical, and psychological reasons in that it not only reduces the risk of illness, but it also improves the way others view you and how you view yourself.

  • See friends to build your sense of belonging. Consider joining a support group to make new friends.

  • Try to do something you enjoy every day. That might mean dancing, watching a favorite TV show, working in the garden, painting or reading.

  • Find ways to relax, like meditation, yoga, getting a massage, taking a bath or walking in the woods.

Call To Actions: BREAK THE STIGMA TIED TO MENTAL HEALTH, SELF CARE, MENTAL ILLNESS

• Look for opportunities to practice self care on your own.

• Give yourself permission to seek support anytime you are your questioning ability or awareness.

• Contact Rastonya Lee, LPC for a free consultation: https://counselingtranquility.com/

Resources:

Rastonya Lee LPC SereneTranquility

Rastonya Lee Therapist Profile: https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/703960

If you or someone you know is in a crisis, seek help immediately:

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – Call 800-273-TALK (8255). 

• Text the Crisis Text Line – Text NAMI to 741-741

• CALL 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) 

• NAMI - https://www.nami.org/home

• Dial 2-1-1 from your cell phone to get in touch with your local non-profit operating 24 hours a day, 365 days each year to access resources and aid in mental health, support groups and counseling services. 

Listen to other episodes: https:// podcasts.apple.com/ us/podcast/now-what/ id1439125172 

Rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts, it helps more people discover us and stay connected with things that matter. 

Tell us what you want to hear, and where you're listening from by completing this brief survey https://survey.libsyn.com/dianegil

REACH US: 

Contact: [email protected] 

Instagram/Twitter: @dianegil_cwc 

Facebook: KeKey Moore, Now What Podcast

This episode was executive produced by: LG Media

Episode show notes by: Diane Gil

Host: Diane Gil

Co-Host: KeKey Hussein

Guest: Anthony Gil

Episode Introduction: In today’s episode of the Now What Podcast, Diane and KeKey are joined by a sport enthusiast, Mr. David Anthony Gil to talk about the NBA protest during playoffs and the real reason behind the players taking the stand.

Episode Summary: 

The episode revolves around talking about sports players and their participation in activist movements. We also talk about recent happenings at NBA and touch bases with cases in the past. The fans’ reactions are also discussed in this episode. 

Back Story: 

• Sunday, August 23rd: Jacob Blake, an unarmed black men was shot and injured by a police officer about 40 miles outside of where the NBA team championship contender Milwaukee Bucks play basketball. 

• Wednesday, August 26th: Three games were scheduled, one being Milwaukee Bucks Vs. Orlando Magic. The Milwaukee Bucks decided moments before the game that they will not be playing. 

Main Takeaways: 

• Majority of the NBA players aren’t coming from privileged homes, they have experienced these struggles first hand which is why it’s totally understandable for them to support their fans and stand for them. 

• The Milwaukee Bucks and WNBA used their platform to support the movement and take a stand. 

• In 2016, Colin Kaepernick tried to peacefully protest about what he thought was unjust but not enough people stood with him which led him to be blackballed.

Call-To-Action: 

Don’t be judgemental about athletes taking a stand. Understand how they might be feeling and support them using their platform

Listen to other episodes: https:// podcasts.apple.com/ us/podcast/now-what/ id1439125172 

Rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts , it helps more people discover us and stay connected with things that matter. 

Tell us what you want to hear, and where you're listening from by completing this brief survey: https://survey.libsyn.com/dianegil

REACH US: 

Contact: [email protected] 

Website: www.dianegil.com 

Join us at: www.facebook.com/thenowwhatpodcast

This episode was executive produced by: LG Media

Episode show notes by: Tanishka Kherajani

Host: Diane Gil

Co-Host: KeKey Huessein

Episode Introduction: 

In today’s episode of the Now What Podcast, Diane is joined by her co-host KeKey to talk about the purpose and history of National Conventions. 

Episode Summary: 

Both Diane and KeKey share their personal highlights from the 2020 National Conventions. The episode is packed with noteworthy observations and strong opinions.

Notable Facts:

• September, 1831: Anti-Masonic Party held the first National Presidential Nominating Convention.

• Back in the time, there were no elections held before the convention and the candidate was selected during the convention.

• Conventions are designed to sell a specific candidate and give them the opportunity to talk to the masses about their agenda and position on issues.

• Voters can make an informed decision by hearing the party’s agenda in these conventions.

• Voters also get to understand what the party’s 5 year and 10 year plans look like.

Highlights From The Conventions:

• The DNC covered issues like a plan to address Covid-19, $15 minimum pay increase, healthcare reforms, and other real life issues.

• DNC activated the spirit of healing and unity that every American is feeling.

• There were a significant number of lifelong Republicans at the DNC who endorsed Joe Biden over Donald Trump.

• Barack Obama spoke about the expectations of leadership in Democracy.

• Obama believes that Donald Trump has misused and abused the office of Presidency to help him and his friends enrich themselves.

• RNC nominated Donald Trump as the president.

• Donald Trump avoided every issue people of colour are facing in America during the RNC.

• RNC saw a lack of diversity. Black and brown faces were amplified but their thoughts weren’t.

• RNC took a very aggressive tone. Many speakers spoke directly against peaceful protests.

Call To Actions:

• Make sure you’re registered to vote. www.vote.org

• Make sure adults around you, friends and family are registered to vote.

• Consider being a poll worker to ensure fair voting.

Listen to other episodes: https:// podcasts.apple.com/ us/podcast/now-what/ id1439125172 

Rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts, it helps more people discover us and stay connected with things that matter. 

Tell us what you want to hear, and where you're listening from by completing this brief survey: https://survey.libsyn.com/dianegil

REACH US: 

Contact: [email protected] 

Website: www.dianegil.com 

Instagram/Twitter: @dianegil_cwc 

Join us at: https://www.facebook.com/TheNowWhatPodcast

This episode was executive produced by: LG Media

Episode show notes by: Tanishka Kherajani

Host: Diane Gil

Co-Host: KeKey Huessein

Episode Introduction: 

In today’s episode of the Now What Podcast, Diane is joined by her co-host KeKey to talk about the purpose and history of National Conventions. 

Episode Summary: 

Both Diane and KeKey share their personal highlights from the 2020 National Conventions. The episode is packed with noteworthy observations and strong opinions.

Notable Facts:

• September, 1831: Anti-Masonic Party held the first National Presidential Nominating Convention.

• Back in the time, there were no elections held before the convention and the candidate was selected during the convention.

• Conventions are designed to sell a specific candidate and give them the opportunity to talk to the masses about their agenda and position on issues.

• Voters can make an informed decision by hearing the party’s agenda in these conventions.

• Voters also get to understand what the party’s 5 year and 10 year plans look like.

Highlights From The Conventions:

• The DNC covered issues like a plan to address Covid-19, $15 minimum pay increase, healthcare reforms, and other real life issues.

• DNC activated the spirit of healing and unity that every American is feeling.

• There were a significant number of lifelong Republicans at the DNC who endorsed Joe Biden over Donald Trump.

• Barack Obama spoke about the expectations of leadership in Democracy.

• Obama believes that Donald Trump has misused and abused the office of Presidency to help him and his friends enrich themselves.

• RNC nominated Donald Trump as the president.

• Donald Trump avoided every issue people of colour are facing in America during the RNC.

• RNC saw a lack of diversity. Black and brown faces were amplified but their thoughts weren’t.

• RNC took a very aggressive tone. Many speakers spoke directly against peaceful protests.

Call To Actions:

• Make sure you’re registered to vote. www.vote.org

• Make sure adults around you, friends and family are registered to vote.

• Consider being a poll worker to ensure fair voting.

Listen to other episodes: https:// podcasts.apple.com/ us/podcast/now-what/ id1439125172 

Rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts, it helps more people discover us and stay connected with things that matter. 

Tell us what you want to hear, and where you're listening from by completing this brief survey: https://survey.libsyn.com/dianegil

REACH US: 

Contact: [email protected] 

Website: www.dianegil.com 

Instagram/Twitter: @dianegil_cwc 

Join us at: https://www.facebook.com/TheNowWhatPodcast

This episode was executive produced by: LG Media

Episode show notes by: Tanishka Kherajani