In "Drive Slow / Practice Patience," J. Rycheal delves into the art of waiting with grace and wisdom. Reflecting on the relentless pressures of instant gratification in society, Rycheal explores the roots of rushing—fear of missing out, self-doubt, and a reluctance to confront discomfort—especially as individuals work to unlearn the scarcity mindset. Drawing from personal insights and a spiritual perspective, they advocate for patience as a pathway to alignment and peace, highlighting the profound power of faith in divine timing.

In Season 2, Episode 3 of "Prodigal Sun," titled "Somebody's Watching Me," host J. Rycheal tackles the challenges of perception and how it ties into their life's purpose. Through a heartfelt journal entry, they explore overcoming generational patterns of shrinking and remaining silent and unseen. J. Rycheal emphasizes that visibility does not require perfection, and explains how embracing imperfections can have a much more profound impact. This episode is a candid reflection on personal growth and the liberation found in embracing authenticity, urging listeners to reject societal pressures for perfection and celebrate the beauty in the process of becoming. They encourage everyone to own their truths and recognize the transformative power of self-acceptance.

In Episode 2 of "Prodigal Sun," host J. Rycheal explores their personal history as a young, gifted, and Black kid from Macon, Georgia. After a hiatus focused on personal health and wellness, they return to share their journey more candidly, highlighting the strong religious influences of their childhood, their deep-rooted connection to Macon, and their early desire to explore a life beyond its boundaries. J. Rycheal discusses the emergence of their queer identity at age 13, which brought about considerable emotional challenges, alongside early spiritual experiences believed to be guided by their late great-grandmother. This episode intertwines reflections on their spiritual path and the struggles of reconciling their queerness with their upbringing, offering an insightful exploration of J. Rycheal's path to self-acceptance while setting the tone for a season centered on personal authenticity and introspective dialogues.

In Episode 1 of Season 2, host J. Rycheal addresses the issue of self-silencing rooted in their upbringing and societal pressures, particularly from the Southern Black community's emphasis on being less noticeable for safety. They discuss their struggle with major throat chakra blockages as symbols of their challenges in self-expression and vocalization. Reflecting on the damaging childhood message that "little girls should be seen and not heard," J. Rycheal explores how this belief stifled their ability to communicate needs and led to unhealthy relational patterns. By embracing their role as a messenger and working to reclaim their voice, they invite listeners to a season focused on open communication, self-trust, and the journey to vocal liberation, encouraging a deep dive into personal and ancestral stories.

In this episode of the Prodigal Sun podcast, host J. Rycheal discusses the importance of setting and maintaining boundaries for individual and relational health. They explain different types of boundaries, such as emotional and physical, and the roles these play in personal safety and relationship dynamics. J. Rycheal delves into the challenges of establishing boundaries, including overcoming feelings of guilt and preventing burnout. They emphasize the distinction between healthy and unhealthy boundaries, using personal experiences and therapy insights to illustrate how healthy boundaries foster intimacy and growth, while unhealthy ones can lead to isolation. Additionally, they provide practical advice on effectively communicating boundaries using "I statements" and the necessity of reiterating and upholding boundaries to ensure they are respected. This episode is a valuable resource for anyone looking to enhance their interpersonal relationships and personal well-being through effective boundary-setting.

In this insightful episode of the Prodigal Sun podcast, host J. Rycheal dives into the complex themes of loyalty and self-betrayal. In this thought-provoking session, we explore how the lines between staying true to others and remaining loyal to oneself can blur, often leading to self-betrayal. Drawing parallels between music and personal experiences, J. Rycheal uses Kendrick Lamar's song "Loyalty" from his album "DAMN" as a springboard to discuss the deeper meanings and implications of loyalty in our lives. This episode not only examines the personal cost of loyalty but also encourages listeners to perform wellness checks on their allegiances. Whether you're navigating personal relationships or professional commitments, this episode offers valuable insights into maintaining your integrity and prioritizing self-respect over misplaced loyalty. Join us to gain a better understanding of how to distinguish healthy loyalty from harmful self-sacrifice and to learn why true loyalty should enhance, not compromise, your well-being.

2022 was the most transformative year of my life so far. I gained some, lost some and learned a whole lot. In this episode, I share a few major lessons that laid the foundation for bigger blessings in 2023.

Song of the week: John Coltrane, "After the Rain"

In this episode, we talk about emotional hand-me-downs and the importance of releasing what no longer serves us.

We talk a lot about the healing journey, but where do we start? J. Rycheal talks about finding the strength to end old cycles, the courage the tell ourselves the truth, and the wisdom to move differently.

Welcome to the Prodigal Sun podcast, a series of introspective conversations about shadow work, healing and the journey back home to self. This episode introduces you to your host, J. Rycheal, an artist, writer, creative director and cultural strategist based in Atlanta, Georgia.