Cory Townes is a celebrated Brooklyn-based DJ, son of DJ Jazzy Jeff, and a good friend of host Victoria Fortune’s. But it hasn’t been easy getting to where he is today. On this episode, Cory talks about his experience navigating a period of unemployment and career uncertainty after early successes in advertising and media. He opens up about his mental health journey during that time, and what it was like for him to share his struggles online for the first time, especially as a Black man in a more public family. On this episode, Cory gives listeners words of wisdom as he reflects on his experience getting back to himself and finding stability.

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, they can call the 24 hour suicide prevention hotline at 988-suicide. We hope everyone stays safe and that you find this episode uplifting.

Many know Yvette Noel-Schure as Beyoncé’s publicist and co-founder of Schure Media Group. But she’s also a Grenadian mom who developed an intergenerational close friendship with a sweet young man, Jonty, who she met in Grenada one fateful day. Host Victoria Fortune talks with Yvette about how she’s coming back to herself and learning to find the joy of life again after losing her “bonus son” at such a young age in 2023. Yvette shares her story of experiencing this life-altering loss while on the Renaissance tour, navigating grief with a busy schedule, and what it was like to be visited by Jonty’s spirit.

In this special first episode, host Victoria Fortune sits down with her childhood friend Millen Tesfaldet to talk about the loss of her older brother Nathaniel aka Nati. Millen shares what it was like to experience this big loss as a high school student doing her best to live a normal life. Millen talks about her challenges navigating her grief while her family was able to express their grief more openly through practices unique to their Habesha heritage. 

Host Victoria Fortune introduces Sunshine and Rain, a podcast about the good things that can come from giving yourself the time and space to heal.