In this episode of Sweet Tea Ethics, Dr. Ed Garnes is joined by Rev. Mashaun D. Simon for an honest, moving conversation about grief, healing, and faith at the intersections of Black identity, mental health, and inclusion. Dr. Garnes honors the legacy of D’Angelo, and with Rev. Simon examines the power of ritual, explores the transformative work of Project Joshua, and offers radical perspectives on journeying through loss, spirituality, and creating truly safe spaces for all. Pour yourself a glass and listen in for wise words, healing laughter, and plenty of heartfelt Sweet Tea Ethics.​

Visit https://sweetteaethics.com to join the mailing list and to get bonus updates from Dr. Ed Garnes.

Topics Covered:

• Honoring D’Angelo and collective rituals of grief in the Black community.
• The purpose and vision of Project Joshua, supporting grief and wellness for LGBTQIA+ individuals.
• The challenges of navigating faith, mental health, and identity—especially for those often excluded from church spaces.
• Expanding and redefining traditions, and offering hope and strategies for authentic, affirming spiritual journeys.

Episode Chapters

00:00 Intro

00:25 Hold My Mule Musing: "This is the D'Angelo joint."

02:36 Introducing Rev. Mashaun D. Simon

03:20 Project Joshua: Grief and Wellness

05:16 Personal Journey and Ministry Challenges

13:45 Expanding the Understanding of Grief

17:58 The Intersection of Faith and Mental Health

19:59 Mashaun's Path to Ministry

30:59 Creating Inclusive Spaces in the Church

31:51 Vision for Project Joshua

35:37 Supporting Grief Ministries for Black Queer Individuals

36:02 Church Hurt and the Grieving Process

36:49 Philosophical Insights and Social Media Engagement

39:22 NABJ and the Controversial Invitation

50:49 Tradition vs. Progress in Black Communities

55:59 Healing Playlists and Personal Reflections

01:00:40 Encouragement for Personal Spirituality

01:03:33 Closing Remarks and Social Media Information

01:04:34 Outro Theme

#GriefHealing, #DAngelo #FaithJourney, #BlackChurch, #SpiritualCare, #ProjectJoshua, #InclusiveFaith, #MentalHealth, #CommunityHealing

In this Hold My Mule Musing, Dr. Ed Garnes serves up a heartfelt helping of Sweet Tea Ethics on the importance of self-love and inner resilience. Drawing from his personal journey with detractors and the wisdom of his grandmother, Dr. Garnes explores the art of freeing yourself from others' expectations and the transformative power of jazz meditations for cleansing limiting beliefs.

Visit https://sweetteaethics.com to join the mailing list and to get bonus updates from Dr. Ed Garnes.

#SweetTeaEthics, #BlackPsychology, #IdentityCongruence, #Mentorship, #Healing, #CulturalReflections, #BlackExcellence, #SelfLove

Dr. Ed Garnes sits down with legendary drummer Lil’ John Roberts to explore a journey steeped in musical evolution, healing, and spiritual mentorship. From his early days playing in church and collaborating with iconic artists, to his transition into teaching at Berklee College of Music, Lil’ John Roberts shares candid stories of resilience, creative breakthroughs, and the profound impact of rhythm on emotional well-being. Whether reminiscing about unforgettable fan moments with Janet Jackson and Prince or discussing the future of jazz, this conversation offers a deep dive into how music becomes a conduit for healing and inspiration in challenging times.

Visit https://sweetteaethics.com to join the mailing list and to get bonus updates from Dr. Ed Garnes.

John “Lil’ John” Roberts Bio

John “Lil’ John” Roberts, a Philadelphia native and renowned drummer, gained recognition as a child prodigy alongside Christian McBride and Joey DeFrancesco in the Duke Ellington Orchestra. A Berklee College of Music alum, Roberts began his touring career with DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince before moving to Atlanta to play with top acts like Dionne Farris and Janet Jackson, with whom he toured for two decades. He’s devoted to mentoring youth through lessons, workshops, and masterclasses.

Roberts’ extensive credits span across genres, working with icons including Stevie Wonder, Prince, Michael Jackson, Patti LaBelle, and Earth, Wind & Fire. He’s performed on major TV shows and produced his debut album “The Heartbeat” in 2014. In 2021, Roberts returned to Berklee as a professor and continues recording, performing, and inspiring musicians worldwide.

#SweetTeaEthics, #LilJohnRoberts, #Jazz, #Healing, #MusicJourney, #Spirituality, #Mentorship

In this week's Hold My Mule Musing, Dr. Ed Garnes pours a special brew of Sweet Tea Ethics on navigating disrespect from folks intent on dimming your light.

In this week's newsletter Dr. Garnes shares some updates about the show and more. Visit https://sweetteaethics.com/p/you-will-never-be-enough-for-folks to read the updates.

You can join the mailing list to get bonus updates from Dr. Ed Garnes.

#SweetTeaEthics, #BlackPsychology, #IdentityCongruence, #Mentorship, #Healing, #CulturalReflections, #BlackExcellence

Join Dr. Ed Garnes and his brother and play cousin, Johnnie Ray Kornegay III (Jay Ray), as they pour out a rich blend of life lessons, cultural reflections, and the improvisational spirit that defines Black psychology. In this candid conversation, they delve into personal history, identity congruence, mentorship, and the unique intersections of art, sports, and healing. From reminiscing about family legacies and the impact of influential mentors to sharing stories of overcoming discrimination and finding one’s true voice, this episode is a heartfelt exploration of what it means to navigate and thrive in a complex world. Tune in for an enlightening journey filled with authentic storytelling, deep reflections, and a healing playlist that resonates with the soul.

Visit https://sweetteaethics.com to join the mailing list and to get bonus updates from Dr. Ed Garnes.

Jay Ray Bio

Johnnie Ray Kornegay III (aka Jay Ray) is the Deputy Director of Strategy and Impact for CNP. In his role, Kornegay contributes to visioning and planning for the overall organization, while participating in creating organizational culture, sustainability, wellness and a productive and constructive work environment. In addition, he is co-host and producer of Queue Points, a podcast that informs and celebrates Black Music creatives through meaningful dialogue. He was a 2024 AIR Media New Voices AMPLIFY Fellow.

#SweetTeaEthics, #BlackPsychology, #IdentityCongruence, #Mentorship, #Healing, #CulturalReflections, #BlackExcellence

Sweet Tea Ethics with Dr. Ed Garnes is where culture, psychology, and freedom lock in the same pocket. Each episode features artists, creatives, and spiritual disruptors who turn power into practice. Expect a jazz meditation to reset your nervous system, a healing playlist, and real talk on identity congruence—showing up as your whole self in every room.

Visit https://sweetteaethics.com to join the mailing list and to get bonus updates from Dr. Ed Garnes.