Tune in to today’s show to hear a slightly different format where I am in conversation with the lovely Stephanie Dos Santos. 

Topics:
We discuss some really juicy topics. These include:

1. The Divine Feminine and the Divine Masculine, what these energies are, what they mean, and why we should welcome them into our lives, whether you are a woman or a man.
2. Negative self-talk, which I talk about a lot on my other shows. Listen to us discuss some of the ways in which we can become aware of our own negative internal mind chatter, and overcome it.
3. Sex and sexuality, where we discuss why we need to be so conscious when we are exchanging such deep and intimate emotions and energy with another person.
4. Emotional intelligence and AI, and the impacts of AI on intellectual intelligence and emotional intelligence. Listen to us talk about why we are at a crux in time where if we don’t develop our abilities to connect properly and deeply with each other, we run the risk of ending up being emotionally connected to AI in its future iterations.

Note:
Whilst this show is about raising mental health awareness, I am not a medical doctor and am not qualified to give mental health advice. If you are experiencing any mental health issues, please consult a qualified professional. 

The “Shuvra Deb: With You” Podcast is inspired and brought to you by Shuvra Deb. Copyright Shuvra Deb © 

Contacts:
Reach out to me with your comments on my show here: 
[email protected] or to my Instagram: @shuvradeb

Reach out to Stephanie on her Instagram: @dnaintrospection or her cell: +1 (345) 329 8674

6 September 2023, was the 6-year anniversary of Hurricane Irma. Since that time, there have been many other natural disasters, and so, on today’s show, I discuss some of the real life, devastating, and life-changing experiences that come with these large-scale weather events and disasters.  

I share some of my lived experiences from Hurricane Irma. I then look at life after Irma from the perspectives of: the unshakeable nature of the human spirit, and some of my mental health experiences, including some PTSD symptoms, so that we can all have an awareness of what these can look like. 

I round of the discussion by looking ahead at what’s next. I discuss some of the recent scientific data around hurricanes, and talk about some potential solutions that may work towards protecting ourselves from strong storms. 

Topics:
00:00:00 Intro
00:01:52 Recap of last week’s show
00:06:29 Today’s show 
00:10:05 Hurricane Irma 
00:10:47 Data from the National Hurricane Center, NHC
00:13:07 The lived experience of Irma 
00:21:05 Life After Irma – the unshakeable nature of the human spirit
00:22:28 Life After Irma – mental health experiences
00:24:39 Some of the symptoms of PTSD to look out for – in yourself, and others 
00:26:08 Helping someone with PTSD
00:30:02 Life After Irma – the climate and what next?
00:32:27 Study Undertaken at Princeton University
00:35:11 What it all means – now 
00:36:29 2nd World Conference on Climate Change & Sustainability
00:37:36 Potential solutions 
00:38:53 Conclusions 

Online resources:
Euro News, Three people die in Serbia as a second deadly storm rips through the Balkans this week: https://www.euronews.com/2023/07/22/three-people-die-in-serbia-as-a-second-deadly-storm-rips-through-the-balkans-this-week
 

BBC, Bulgaria, Turkey and Greece streets turn to rivers in deadly floods: https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-europe-66728709
 

National Weather Service, National Hurricane Center Tropical Cyclone Report: https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/data/tcr/AL112017_Irma.pdf
 

Washington Post, Bonnie Berkowitz, Laris Karklis, Reuben Fischer-Baum, Chiqui Esteban, How big is Hurricane Irma?: https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2017/national/how-big-is-hurricane-irma/#:~:text=About%20425%20miles%20wide%2C%20Irma,of%20South%20Florida%20in%201992
 

BBC, Hurricane Irma: Survivors describe ‘total devastation’: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-41190649
 

Helpguide, Helping Someone with PTSD: https://www.helpguide.org/articles/ptsd-trauma/helping-someone-with-ptsd.htm
 

National Public Radio, Why hurricanes feel like they’re getting more frequent: https://www.npr.org/2023/02/27/1158969044/why-hurricanes-feel-like-theyre-getting-more-frequent
 

Nature Climate Change, Dazhi Xi, Ning Lin & Avantika Gori, Increasing sequential tropical cyclone hazards along the US East and Gulf Coasts: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41558-023-01595-7
 

World Conference on Climate Change & Sustainability, 16-18 October 2023: https://climateweek.thepeopleevents.comProgram: https://climateweek.thepeopleevents.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Climate_Week_2023_Rome_Agenda.pdf

Note:
Whilst this show is about raising mental health awareness, I am not a medical doctor and am not qualified to give mental health advice. If you are experiencing any mental health issues, please consult a qualified professional. 

The “Shuvra Deb: With You” Podcast is inspired and brought to you by Shuvra Deb. Copyright Shuvra Deb © 

Contacts: 
Reach out to me with your comments on my show here: 
[email protected]

On today’s show, I give you tips on how to get ANYTHING and EVERYTHING done! The clue is in the title, that motivation alone is not going to be enough. I discuss what motivation is, and what it is not. 

Here are my five tips to getting anything and everything done: 

1. Not hesitating to get out of bed when your alarm goes off.
2. Not allowing your mind to distract you. 
3. Using my 15-Minute Rule to form new habits through new actions.  
4. The language you use in your to-do lists. 
5. Mel Robbins’ 5 Second Rule. 

Topics:
00:00:00 Intro
00:01:51 Recap of last week’s show
00:03:38 How to get ANYTHING And EVERYTHING done
00:04:26 Motivation – An introduction 
00:07:18 Motivation – What it is not 
00:10:34 Motivation – What it is, or what it can be
00:11:05 Not hesitating to get out of bed when the alarm goes off
00:13:01 Not allowing your mind to distract you
00:17:24 Actions are Habits
00:18:05 My 15-Minute Rule
00:23:02 The Science Behind Habit Formation – Cue, Routine, Reward
00:28:20 To-do Lists
00:30:48 Reward Yourself      
00:32:14 Mel Robbins’ 5 Second Rule – 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, and BLAST OFF!! 
00:35:24 Examples of when to use The 5 Second Rule
00:36:05 Benefits of using The 5 Second Rule 
00:37:37 Conclusions 

Online resources:
Lorie Johnson, CBN, Power of Habit: The Key to Breaking Harmful Patterns: https://www2.cbn.com/news/health/power-habit-key-breaking-harmful-patterns
Marlena Batchelor, CEO Magazine, Make 2023 your most productive year with Mel Robbins’ ‘5 Second Rule’: https://www.theceomagazine.com/business/management-leadership/the-5-second-rule/

Note:
Whilst this show is about raising mental health awareness, I am not a medical doctor and am not qualified to give mental health advice. If you are experiencing any mental health issues, please consult a qualified professional. 

The “Shuvra Deb: With You” Podcast is inspired and brought to you by Shuvra Deb. Copyright Shuvra Deb © 

Contact: 
Reach out to me with your comments on my show here: [email protected] 

On today’s show, I delve a little deeper into the topic area of overcoming challenges, which is something that came up in the interviews I conducted on last week’s show. Today, I talk more about overcoming difficulties in your lives from the perspective of having self-compassion when you are experiencing a challenging time, and from the viewpoint of not forgetting that you are not alone – all of us face tough challenges at some point in our lives. 

I then discuss self-esteem – what it is, and how to identify whether you might have low self-esteem. I focus in on two of the ways in which low self-esteem can manifest – needing external approval in order to feel loved, and having negative self-talk. 

Finally, I set out some solutions and ways in which you can raise your self-esteem, and I take you through a breath work meditation practice, which you can do at any time, and anywhere. I set out why focusing in on your breath can help you to raise your self-esteem.

Topics:
00:00:00 Intro
00:01:50 Recap of last week’s show
00:04:11 Overcoming challenges
00:05:38 Dr. Kristen Neff, self-compassion, and our shared common humanity
00:10:45 Today’s topic – self-esteem
00:11:35 Definition of self-esteem
00:12:29 Focus of today’s discussion – the value we place on ourselves
00:13:09 The need for external approval 
00:14:49 Some of its negative effects of needing external approval 
00:16:48 Signs of low self-esteem
00:18:32 Some of the causes of low self-esteem
00:19:39 Negative self-talk
00:22:17 Solutions – dealing with negative self-talk and flipping your thinking 
00:23:03 Grab a pen and a piece of paper – positive versions of your negative thoughts!
00:27:43 Solutions – calming your nervous system
00:28:46 Breath work meditation practice - you can do this any time, anywhere 
00:32:23 How focusing on your breath helps you with low self-esteem
00:34:27 Focus on what you have achieved 
00:36:14 Conclusions 
00:38:33 Final thought – accepting compliments

Online resources:
Dr. Kristin Neff: https://self-compassion.org
Kendra Cherry, Very Well Mind, What Is Self-Esteem: Your Sense of Your Personal Worth or Value: https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-self-esteem-2795868
Corey Whelan, Healthline, How to Manage Low Self-Esteem: https://www.healthline.com/health/low-self-esteem#defining-low-self-esteem
One Bright, Intrusive thoughts: Why do we get them?: https://onebright.com/advice-hub/news/intrusive-thoughts-why-do-we-get-them/
Rachel MacPherson, BA, CPT, Very Well Fit, Negative Self-Talk: What It Is and How to Reverse it: https://www.verywellfit.com/negative-self-talk-6501077
Harvard Business Review, Acknowledging Your Achievements Is a Form of Self-Care: https://hbr.org/tip/2017/11/acknowledging-your-achievements-is-a-form-of-self-care

Note:
Whilst this show is about raising mental health awareness, I am not a medical doctor and am not qualified to give mental health advice. If you are experiencing any mental health issues, please consult a qualified professional. 

The “Shuvra Deb: With You” Podcast is inspired and brought to you by Shuvra Deb. Copyright Shuvra Deb © 

Contacts: 
Reach out to me with your comments on my show here: [email protected] 

On today’s show, I will be looking at: dealing with anxiety before a big event, getting back up when we have been knocked down, following your dreams and passions, being in service to others, and dealing with negative self-talk.

I do all of this in the context of interviews that I held with pro athletes and coaches at the 20th Annual North American Powerlifting Federation’s Regional Powerlifting Championships. 

Tune in and listen to these wonderful people talk about getting ready for competition, dealing with defeat, and how they overcame life’s challenges, amongst many other cool and interesting topics.

Topics:
00:00:00 Intro
00:01:34 Recap of last week’s show
00:03:23 Discussion today in the context interviews with world class athletes and coaches at the 20thAnnual North American Powerlifting Federation’s (NAPF) Regional Powerlifting Championships
00:04:00 Tony McInerney, President and Coach of the Cayman Islands Powerlifting Organization 
00:04:42 Managing anxiety and nerves 
00:08:56 Dealing with knock backs 
00:12:01 Being in service to others 
00:13:54 Dealing with negative self-talk
00:17:14 Going to the gym and using exercise as a way of managing daily stress and struggles 
00:18:35 Claire Rafferty, Cayman Islands competitor            
00:22:40 James Green, Paradise Pump, Cayman Islands
00:27:33 Jeremy Owen, the Technical Director and Head Coach of the Jamaica Powerlifting Senior Team
00:33:07 Nicolas Parra, 74 Kilogram Junior Lifter, Team Canada
00:39:14 Tony McInerney, President and Coach of the Cayman Islands Powerlifting Organization
00:49:24 Cayman Islands Powerlifting Organization's contact details
00:50:32 Conclusions 

Online resources:
North American Powerlifting Federation: https://www.powerlifting-napf.com
Paradise Pump: https://www.paradisepump.com
Tuff Fitness: https://tufffitnessja.com

Note:
Whilst this show is about raising mental health awareness, I am not a medical doctor and am not qualified to give mental health advice. If you are experiencing any mental health issues, please consult a qualified professional. 

The “Shuvra Deb: With You” Podcast is inspired and brought to you by Shuvra Deb. Copyright Shuvra Deb © 

Contacts: 

Instagram:
@caymanpowerlifting 
@napfpowerlifting
@rafferty_power
@paradisepumpcayman 
@powerliftingjm
@tufffitnessja  
@novascotiapowerlifting

Reach out to me with your comments on my show here: [email protected]

Linsey Gammel of Santosha Yoga Cayman is my guest today! 

Linsey and I discuss all things to do with yoga, meditation and living life intentionally. 

Stay tuned to the end to hear Linsey speak about a Chakra Workshop that she is running, and about the relevance of the Chakras to our physical, mental and spiritual health. 

This episode will have your vibration buzzing!

Topics:
00:00:00 Intro
00:01:29 Introduction to Linsey Gammel
00:02:32 Making changes to our lives
00:03:49 Maintaining a yoga practice amidst a gruelling work schedule
00:04:20 The feeling you get from having a yoga practice, linking back up to your true self
00:04:54 Santosha Yoga Cayman and the meaning of Santosha 
00:08:16 Some of the fundamental benefits of yoga
00:09:55 Building strength and flexibility in yoga through intentionality 
00:12:08 Yoga and focusing on the breath; connecting the mind to the breath
00:12:55 Styles of yoga; Linsey’s training in traditional Hatha yoga
00:15:36 Styles of yoga for beginners
00:16:42 Clearing up some common misconceptions around yoga
00:19:10 The eight different limbs of yoga, and application to life as a whole 
00:21:00 The first limb of yoga: Yama, or morality
00:21:20 The second limb of yoga: Niyama, or disciplines
00:22:43 The third limb of yoga: Asana, or movement 
00:23:39 The fourth limb of yoga: Pranayama, or breath, breath control and awareness 
00:24:50 The breath is the only vital function over which we can take conscios control
00:26:33 The fifth limb of yoga: Pratayahara, or detachment from the outcome
00:28:40 Balance between having goals and of practising detachment; “or something better”
00:30:13 The sixth limb of yoga: Dharana, or concentration
00:31:35 Concentrating on the yoga practice and not allowing the mind to wander 
00:34:54 The seventh limb of yoga: Dhyana, or meditation; one point of focus for the mind
00:36:48 Getting familiar with our minds and our thoughts rather than stopping our thoughts
00:37:17 The eighth limb of yoga: Samadhi, or self-realization or enlightenment; complete union between the body, mind, soul and spirit
00:38:20 Chakra Workshop
00:39:10 Chakras as energetic centres of our bodies
00:39:42 The core of what to expect from a Chakra workshop
00:40:35 Chakras, our physical bodies, mental and physical health and energetic healing
00:41:03 Chakra to focus on depending on the season of your life; shifting nature of energy 
00:43:56 Mental health benefits of having a yoga practice, a breath practice, and of living from a place of intentionality
00:45:35 Practices that can be done at home; Downward Dog app
00:48:20 The future of yoga 
00:49:28 Mass yoga session involving 100,000 people; the power of joint energy work and vibrational benefits; yoga for the older population including chair yoga
00:51:31 Trauma informed yoga 
00:53:30 Linsey’s Meditation Podcast: A Moment To Meditate 
00:55:48 Linsey’s contact details for Santosha Yoga Cayman
00:56:44 Conclusions

Online resources:

www.santoshayogacayman.com

A Moment To Meditate Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/5CNxxbz9hWigfukU0AbjIT?si=4d09ebba09ad47bf   

Instagram: @santoshayogacayman

Note:
Whilst this show is about raising mental health awareness, I am not a medical doctor and am not qualified to give mental health advice. If you are experiencing any mental health issues, please consult a qualified professional. 

The “Shuvra Deb: With You” Podcast is inspired and brought to you by Shuvra Deb. Copyright Shuvra Deb © 

Contact: 

Email: [email protected]

Reach out to me with your comments on my show here: [email protected]

Today I speak with Joe Chapman of the Chapman Property Group in the British Virgin Islands. 

Joe was a hugely successful professional squash player, before turning his talents to the building construction industry. Joe is a keen advocate of Master Plan Communities, and is building one of the first of its kind in the British Virgin Islands.

Listen to Joe speak about his commitment to self-improvement through discipline, the ability to work really hard, and the ability to suffer. Joe also speaks of the fascinating nuances in the construction industry, including how sustainable and environmentally friendly building projects really do work through Master Plan Communities.

We discuss the effects of Hurricane Irma, how people reacted to such an immense storm, and how the experience changed Joe’s views on the world and on construction. 

Listen to the end, and hear Joe turn the tables on me! The interviewee becomes the interviewer and I am asked about synthesising large swathes of information, emotional intelligence, differences between male and female lawyers as regards their confidence, and other topics! None of this was planned – hear my honest views on these topics! 

Topics:
00:00:00 Intro
00:01:11 Introduction to Joe Chapman
00:02:15 Joe’s professional squash career 
00:03:19 Discipline, ability to work really hard, and the ability to suffer
00:03:48 Not looking for instant gratification in business
00:05:18 The construction process
00:05:58 Creating a digital footprint online and creating a reputation
00:06:20 Mega Projects and Master Plan Communities
00:07:40 Experience of Hurricane Irma and building projects having benefits for larger numbers of people and businesses 
00:08:42 Doing things differently in construction and engineering
00:10:05 Chris Conway, Moskito Island, Necker Island, Oil Nut Bay, Peter Island in the BVI and 50 years to first maintenance
00:10:44 Building with hurricanes in mind 
00:11:16 Sustainable building
00:11:22 Building beautiful buildings so that people want to preserve them
00:12:19 Golden Age of building
00:13:50 Chapman Property Group Master Plan Community in Pasea, Tortola, British Virgin Islands
00:15:15 Developer staying on the project from start to finish
00:17:05 Building a quality project and brand as opposed to quick turnover projects 
00:18:29 Affordability of sustainable building projects to the general public
00:19:29 Benefits of condo living 
00:20:21 Joint venture projects with Chapman Property Group; partners with similar values
00:22:00 Effects of the Covid 19 Pandemic on the construction industry 
00:24:22 Adding value to people’s lives
00:24:45 Emotional and physical effects of Hurricane Irma
00:28:33 Rebuilding after a hurricane
00:30:37 British Military choosing Nanny Cay as their base
00:32:16 Master Plan Communities to other locations, including the US
00:32:48 Irvine Ranch, California, a Master Plan Community
00:33:30 Growing and expanding Master Plan Communities and working with the land
00:34:10 Optimism bias, strategic misrepresentation and Dunning-Kruger effect
00:39:10 Paying attention to psychology 
00:41:14 Optimism bias versus rationality 
00:41:53 Bounded rationality
00:42:24 Anticipating all possible permutations of what may happen with a given scenario 
00:43:00 Synthesising large swathes of information
00:44:30 Reading and understanding the information 
00:46:09 Ability to synthesise information helping in other areas of life
00:47:00 Emotional intelligence
00:49:05 Having a different persona at work and at home
00:50:00 Difference between male and female lawyers in terms of their confidence; Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors
00:51:06 Dunning-Kruger effect
00:52:14 Truly understanding how to live a healthy life, and change lives
00:54:06 Use of bicycles and changing the environment
00:55:03 National building and Singapore 
00:56:00 Organisation within large groups of people; Renzo Piano
00:57:00 Conclusions

Online resources:
Chapman Property Group: https://www.chapmanpropertygroup.com
Chris Conway, Civil & Structural Engineering Ltd.: https://csecaribbean.com/people/chris-conway/
Irvine Ranch, California, a Master Plan Community: https://www.goodplanning.org

Note:
Whilst this show is about raising mental health awareness, I am not a medical doctor and am not qualified to give mental health advice. If you are experiencing any mental health issues, please consult a qualified professional. 

The “Shuvra Deb: With You” Podcast is inspired and brought to you by Shuvra Deb. Copyright Shuvra Deb © 

Contact: 
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @joechapmanbvi 
Facebook: Joe Chapman
 

Reach out to me with your comments on my show here: [email protected]

On today’s show, I talk to the wonderful Dani Coleman of Hazard Management Cayman Islands. 

TRIGGER WARNING

The discussion today includes details of natural disasters and disaster recovery. 

Tune in to learn about the great work done by Hazard Management Cayman Islands, and for tips on how to prepare for a disaster. Listen in to learn about how you can get involved with disaster recovery work to help others who have experienced a disaster. Dani talks about the work she did in Thailand in 2004 after the Tsunami, and in the British Virgin Islands in 2017 after Hurricane Irma. 

We also discuss some of the mental health issues that can come up in situations where there has been a disaster. 

This episode is packed full of useful tips and interesting stories! 

Topics:
00:00:00 Intro
00:01:46 Introduction to Dani Coleman
00:03:20 Breadth of work done by Hazard Management
00:04:31 Preparedness before a hurricane, and the importance of preparedness for the aftermath
00:05:45 Steps to take in order to prepare for a disaster
00:07:11 Red Cross CERT Training and other disaster training available for all
00:11:43 The need to pre-assess potential danger-zones 
00:13:50 Disaster recovery work 
00:16:42 Mental health and post-disaster symptoms
00:18:25 Integrating mental health into first response work
00:18:34 CAYMIND in the Cayman Islands 
00:19:18 Resilience training before a disaster 
00:23:50 Different qualities of different hurricanes – don’t anchor to a previous storm experience
00:24:45 Storm surge the most damaging and life threatening aspect of a hurricane 
00:25:54 Building codes and earthquakes 
00:28:14 Some of the toughest challenges in Dani’s career
00:30:08 Seeking professional help and Critical Incident Debrief by trained professionals post-disaster 
00:31:31 Out of character behavior and mental health 
00:32:30 Rewarding aspects of Dani’s work
00:36:48 Elephants helping in rescue after the Tsunami in Thailand
00:39:24 Mental health and finding ways to cope after a disaster 
00:43:14 Re-integration of first responders after a disaster and awareness of the need for help
00:45:40 Buddying up with someone to develop resilience 
00:47:00 Other practical steps for planning for emergencies 
00:48:34 Planning for a house fire and other emergencies 
00:52:35 Cayman Prepared and other resources
00:53:08 Climate adaption and climate policy 
00:56:35 Importance of preparing early – know as much as you can about the situation
00:57:08 Getting involved in disaster recovery work
00:59:18 Cayman Islands Hazard Management contact details 
01:00:04 Conclusions 

Online resources:
Hazard Management Cayman Islands: https://www.caymanprepared.gov.ky 

Note:
Whilst this show is about raising mental health awareness, I am not a medical doctor and am not qualified to give mental health advice. If you are experiencing any mental health issues, please consult a qualified professional. 

The “Shuvra Deb: With You” Podcast is inspired and brought to you by Shuvra Deb. Copyright Shuvra Deb © 

Contact: 
Dani Coleman: [email protected] and [email protected]
Reach out to me with your comments on my show here: [email protected]

On today’s show, I talk about the greatest life hack – which is how learning from our past can help to shape our present, and move us towards a brighter future!

Getting into our flow can make us extremely productive. I tell a story on how not being in our flow can stop us from being the best version of ourselves, and I look at some activities in which we can participate to get us into our flow. 

Exploring the past can help us to move away from dysfunctional behavior patterns that may be holding us back in our lives. By introducing self-awareness around these issues, we can start unravelling these patterns.

The stories and narratives that we may be telling ourselves about our past situations can actually end up holding us back. Listen out for the pointers I give on how to turn those narratives around into something more positive. I provide you with my 4-steps on how we can re-write the stories that we have told ourselves. 

Getting nostalgic over past events that we enjoyed in our lives can help us to learn about ourselves, and can help to shape our present day lives. 

I touch on the benefits of mindfulness and being present, as a way of building a brighter future, and I conclude with some ways in which we can build a brighter and more satisfying future for ourselves.  

Topics:
00:00:00 Intro
00:02:04 Recap of last week’s show
00:06:00 Being in flow
00:06:24 Richard Branson and flow 
00:08:46 Amy Anderson and being in flow
00:11:40 Activities to get in your flow
00:14:20 The past, narratives and nostalgia
00:14:52 Narratives about the past and dysfunctional behaviors 
00:16:55 Sharon Martin, “Why Do We Repeat the Same Dysfunctional Relationship Patterns Over and Over?”
00:23:00 The past and nostalgia
00:23:23 The past shaping our present
00:27:05 Stories we tell ourselves about the past and the impacts of that on our current lives
00:34:44 My 4-steps to re-writing the stories we have told ourselves
00:36:33 Step 1: Identify the story that you have been telling yourself
00:43:41 Step 2: Turning the narrative on its head
00:44:56 Step 3: Going back to the negative story and understanding where it has come from
00:46:24 Introduction to Step 4: Making a brighter plan for the future
00:46:46 The present and mindfulness 
00:50:55 Step 4: Making a brighter plan for the future
00:56:06 Conclusions

Online resources:
Success, 3 Science-Based Mind Hacks to Get Into Flow: https://www.success.com/3-science-based-mind-hacks-to-get-into-flow/
Forbes, Five Surprising Ways Richard Branson Harnessed Flow To Build A Multi-Billion Dollar Empire: https://www.forbes.com/sites/stevenkotler/2014/03/25/five-surprising-ways-richard-branson-harnessed-flow-to-build-a-multi-billion-dollar-empire/?sh=c376d816d6eb 
Amy Anderson, Success, Go Straight for the Joy and Follow Your Purpose: https://www.success.com/go-straight-for-the-joy-and-follow-your-purpose/
Sharon Martin, PsychCentral Why Do We Repeat the Same Dysfunctional Relationship Patterns Over and Over?: https://psychcentral.com/blog/imperfect/2018/07/why-do-we-repeat-the-same-dysfunctional-relationship-patterns
Haili Hu, Science, Growing up poor left me isolated in academia – until I began to share my story: https://www.science.org/content/article/growing-poor-left-me-isolated-academia-until-i-began-share-my-story

Note:
Whilst this show is about raising mental health awareness, I am not a medical doctor and am not qualified to give mental health advice. If you are experiencing any mental health issues, please consult a qualified professional. 

The “Shuvra Deb: With You” Podcast is inspired and brought to you by Shuvra Deb. Copyright Shuvra Deb © 

Contact: 
Reach out to me with your comments on my show here: [email protected]

On today’s show, I talk to the extraordinary Mariama Bah of Nation of Diversity, a non-profit in Raleigh, North Carolina.

At the young age of 22, Mariama started her own non-profit, helping people with homelessness and mental illness.

Mariama is also raising money to build a school in Africa Guinea, which is from where she moved to the United States at the age of 11.

You do not want to miss this episode! Mariama is an incredible woman, and a true inspiration for all human beings! 

Stay tuned to the end so that you can hear about volunteering opportunities at Nation of Diversity, and listen out for Mariama's contact details to make any donations that you may wish to make. 

Topics:
00:00:00 Intro
00:01:11 Introduction to Mariama Bah
00:02:30 Starting her non-profit called Nation of Diversity by reducing homelessness and maintaining mental health through creative arts 
00:03:13 Experiences of moving from Africa Guinea to New York City 
00:04:58 Moving to North Carolina and finding other international students 
00:05:38 Differences and clashes in cultures
00:06:50 Discussions of mental health in different cultures and collision 
00:07:36 Ways of bringing the African and American cultures together 
00:09:10 The need to manage mental health in the homeless community 
00:10:23 Mental health and homelessness and how they relate
00:12:12 Nation of Diversity Outreach Program on the 14th of every month 
00:13:00 Too many steps required to get out of homelessness
00:13:41 The disempowering nature of having to jump through 
00:14:00 Programs run by Nation of Diversity – Circle Speaks – different forms of art each month – painting, craft, meditation
00:15:04 Wide age of receiving benefit
00:15:50 Therapists available
00:16:00 The benefits of Circle Speaks and sharing within community 
00:16:44 Act of creativity and flow enabling sharing 
00:18:43 Creativity and being in the present moment
00:20:11 Circle Speaks opening up the way for people to speak about serious life events, including sexual assault – being able to connect with others with similar experiences 
00:22:55 Benefits of sharing lived experience 
00:24:20 Importance of adults and young people to come together and speak up about mental health challenges 
00:26:13 Stigma and homelessness and holding the space to help people in community 
00:28:03 Current project – to remove five women out of homelessness 
00:28:39 Nation of Diversity doing all the ground work to help place people in jobs and homes
00:28:50 Future plans – to have education and other resources to get people back on their feet
00:29:15 Providing the space for people brings people to the resource 
00:30:35 Education system in Africa Guinea and schooling and the need for funds to get schooling, especially for girls – only 28% of females currently going to school 
00:32:52 Mariama’s Dad’s coffee business in Guinea partnering with Nation of Diversity to raise USD50,000 to build the school in Guinea
00:35:33 Advice for people emigrating from different countries 
00:41:45 Contact details and opportunities to volunteer at Nation of Diversity
00:43:17 Conclusions 

Online resources:
Nation of Diversity: www.nodnow.org

IG: @nationofdiversity

Note:
Whilst this show is about raising mental health awareness, I am not a medical doctor and am not qualified to give mental health advice. If you are experiencing any mental health issues, please consult a qualified professional. 

The “Shuvra Deb: With You” Podcast is inspired and brought to you by Shuvra Deb. Copyright Shuvra Deb © 

Contact: 
Mariama Bah, Nation of Diversity: +1-919-349-1312

Diamond Cafe: @diamondcafe_guicaf and [email protected]

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