It’s the season finale! In this episode, we are joined by Archie Green - artist, mental health professional, and founder of Peel Dem Layers Back - as we explore the importance of self-care and mental health. As we all navigate emerging from the pandemic, how do we cope with trauma? Uncertainty? Anxiety? Archie has some great suggestions and resources.

For more information about Archie Green and some of the resources we discussed you can visit the following social media accounts and websites...

Archie Green’s Instagram and Twitter: @the_cope_dealer, Spotify: Archie Green

Peel Dem Layers Back Instagram: @peeldemlayersback, Twitter: @PeelDemLayers, Website: www.pdlb.org/

NAMI of Greater Cleveland Instagram: @nami_gc, Website: www.namigreatercleveland.org/

Email us your thoughts, questions, and suggestions at [email protected].  And follow us on Instagram @ourbraintrustpodcast for updates on when new episodes are coming out and where to find them.  Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel and please leave us a glowing review!

In this episode, we meet up with our friends and fellow volunteers, India Moore-Harper and Seretha Etheridge, to discuss a project they started together - their own, local Girl Scout troop.  They were able to give some real insight into the challenges and the planning that goes into an endeavor like this.  We hope this conversation gives listeners a better understanding of the effort it takes to get a project up and running, and also the rewards it can bring!

If you are interested in finding out more information about Troop 71233, you can contact India on Instagram at @india_ashley or Seretha at @xaydens_mom.  You can also go to www.gsneo.org for information about this troop and the Girl Scout experience in Northeast Ohio.

Email us your thoughts, questions, and suggestions at [email protected].  And follow us on Instagram @ourbraintrustpodcast for updates on when new episodes are coming out and where to find them.  Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel and please leave us a glowing review!

In this episode, we are joined by Marcia Shepard, Dean of Engagement at Anton Grdina School, as we discuss the impact Covid-19 has had within the educational landscape of Greater Cleveland, Ohio. Laura, being the in-house educator of the group, helps guide this conversation around joys and challenges. How do scholars and educators thrive during uncertainty? What role has schools played in addressing the needs of the community?

Email us your thoughts, questions, and suggestions at [email protected].  And follow us on Instagram @ourbraintrustpodcast for updates on when new episodes are coming out and where to find them.  Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel and please leave us a glowing review!

In this episode, with Ohio Governor DeWine lifting mask restrictions June 2nd, we grapple with the questions - “Will you still wear your mask?” “How will this affect volunteer organizations, businesses, etc.?” “Is it too soon?” Maybe time will tell.  In the meantime, tune in with your mask on…or your mask off.

Email us your thoughts, questions, and suggestions at [email protected].  And follow us on Instagram @ourbraintrustpodcast for updates on when new episodes are coming out and where to find them.  Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel and please leave us a glowing review!

In this episode, we’re joined by our mothers for a special Mother’s Day Edition. As kids, our moms dragged us everywhere. Now as adults, we drag them everywhere. Listen in as they discuss their favorite memories, favorite service projects, and challenges with, of course, us. Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there - you are appreciated!

Special thank you to our guests and mothers Audrey Webster (Brian's mom), Yolanda Gibbs (Donté's mom), and Paula Bartlett (Laura's mom).

Email us your thoughts, questions, and suggestions at [email protected].  And follow us on Instagram @ourbraintrustpodcast for updates on when new episodes are coming out and where to find them.  Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel and please leave us a glowing review!

In this episode, we discuss how our support systems have evolved during the pandemic. Who do you consider to be a part of your support system? If you’re like us, depending on the day, the who and what’s considered support easily changes. We assist differently and we volunteer differently, but it’s always the support for us.

Here are some of the organizations and projects we mentioned in this episode:

Webbo’s All Stars - www.webbosallstars.org

Instagram handle: @webbosall_stars

Donté’s Gift express - www.dontesgiftexpress.com

Instagram handle: @dontesgiftexpress

Manna Food from Heaven - Facebook: Manna Food from Heaven

Email us your thoughts, questions, and suggestions at [email protected].  And follow us on Instagram @ourbraintrustpodcast for updates on when new episodes are coming out and where to find them.  Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel and please leave us a glowing review!

We’re back with Season 2 of Our Brain Trust Podcast! Listen in as we reflect on 2020 and how we dealt with life and each other (there are two Geminis in this group). Two things to remember from Season 1: We’re still volunteering...albeit with some twists, and we still don’t know when Laura and Brian met.

Email us your thoughts, questions, and suggestions at [email protected].  And follow us on Instagram @ourbraintrustpodcast for updates on when new episodes are coming out and where to find them.  Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel and please leave us a glowing review!

In this episode Laura, Brian, and Donté discuss their holiday season thus far, and their plans moving forward as we close out 2020. The 3 friends also discuss giving back, and community service during the Holidays; including Donté's Gift Express. 2021 resolutions and a glimpse of the future help close out the episode and Season 1! Season 2 will be released in 2021, and we hope you'll continue listening. Happy Holidays!!!

If you are interested in learning more about Donté's Gift Express please visit www.Dontesgiftexpress.com.

Email us your thoughts, questions, and suggestions at [email protected].  And follow us on Instagram @ourbraintrustpodcast for updates on when new episodes are coming out and where to find them.  Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel and please leave us a glowing review!

In this episode Donté brings together his friend group referred to as “Cousins” to demonstrate the value of networking.  The Cousins - Leah, Alesha, Claire, Treye, and Jill - also invite us into their discussion about the issues unique to navigating Cleveland’s nonprofit and leadership sectors.

Email us your thoughts, questions, and suggestions at [email protected].  And follow us on Instagram @ourbraintrustpodcast for updates on when new episodes are coming out and where to find them.  Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel and please leave us a glowing review!

In this episode Donté, Brian, and Laura discuss the 2020 voting experience!  Then a few friends of Our Brain Trust share their very interesting perspectives about the 2020 Presidential election. Listen in on first time voting experiences, and also what it was like to be in the streets registering folks for this unique election.  Big thank you to Taylor, Jermonte, and Juan for joining the conversation!

Email us your thoughts, questions, and suggestions at [email protected].  And follow us on Instagram @ourbraintrustpodcast for updates on when new episodes are coming out and where to find them.  Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel and please leave us a glowing review!