Ray of Hope: The Podcast

On this episode, Raya and Leslie speak with the award winning trainer Austin Parker who is the CEO and head trainer of APFit. Austin speaks about the importance of physical fitness, spirituality, and mental health. Exercise plays an important role in the health and wellbeing of our temples. Physical fitness is instrumental in helping with mental wellness and depression. He has fitness challenges to engage the community with taking control of their goals while having fun. 

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This week, Raya and Leslie speak with the founder of The Lives Worth Saving Foundation Dana Brock. Dana is a restored citizen who was turned his life around after dealing with many issues and mental health. Dana speaks about his journey to change and becoming a husband, spiritual leader, and a community activist & mentor. This is a raw and authentic look into how men can overcome personal struggles with street life and addiction. 

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In this episode, Raya and Leslie discuss the process of transitioning into your purpose.  We all go through a season of transformation that requires separation and the ability to trust the process. Leslie speaks about a traumatic event that has caused her to transition into own personal purpose and how she was able to surrender to the change. 

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Raya and Leslie have an in-depth conversation with the 2021 Ray of Hope: Humanitarian Award winner and community activist Stu Hampton. Stu is the founder of Linden Community Engagement Resource Team, Center of Encouragement, Saving Our Sons event, and the Mother’s are Royalty dinners. Stu has been instrumental in creating forums for change and putting his words into action. 

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On this episode of Ray of Hope: The Podcast, Raya and Leslie discuss the impact that friendships have on mental health and wellness. Healthy friendships are vital to growth and transition. Unhealthy friendships can lead to friendship PTSD. Be intentional with friends and learn to listen to each other. Be the kind of friend that you require for yourself. 

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In the final episode of season one, Dr. Raya shares some background information about her purpose and passion for creating her foundation and podcast. She takes an opportunity to thank all of the wonderful supporters and listeners. Dr. Raya is closing out season one with words of encouragement to keep you uplifted and hopeful. She provides tools to help you heal and live in your purpose. 

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This episode of Ray of Hope: The Podcast, Dr. Raya speaks with Julie Morrison , the founder of The Heal Her Foundation. The foundation was created by Julie as a forum for women to come together to start their healing process with other women.  Julie’s motto is Healing Her Empowers Me. Julie is a survivor and is helping many women along the path of healing and surviving. 

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On this episode, Dr. Raya speaks with Angela Crego-Sanders about the mental health impact of growing up as a bi-racial woman. Angela shares some of her personal struggles experienced as a child that led to mental health issues as an adult. She talks about her decision to seek counseling and therapy to improve her feelings of self-worth and love. Angela wanted to share her story to help others dealing with similar struggles. 

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On episode 4, Dr. Raya and Nurse Leslie spoke about how life happens and creates stress in our lives. This episode is a follow up to talk about how to cope when those unexpected moments happen. They provide some detailed tools and information to get you back on track and remain positive and hopeful. Sometimes, you just need encouragement, resources, and direction to help you maneuver through challenges. 

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In this episode, Dr. Raya and Nurse Leslie discuss the unexpected life events that interrupts life’s balance. Life happens to us all. There will be times when nothing seems to go right and you can’t catch a break. There will be times when life is great and you think you have it all planned out and then, you experience a life-altering event that disrupts life and changes your plans. Nurse Leslie shares the moment that life happened to her and how she survived Hurricane Katrina. No one is exempt from life trauma and events, but there is hope if you keep the faith and be steadfast. 

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