Sworn Testimonies

A.D. Carson is a prolific performance artist and a Professor of Hip Hop at the University of Virginia. On this episode of Sworn Testimonies: Therapy Isn’t Just For White People, we get into the politics of respectability, rap culture, and the complex relationship America has with black art. 

This story really touched my heart. Baby Evalee was diagnosed with cancer when she was just one-year-old. On this episode of Sworn Testimonies, her mother Jennifer discusses the trials that she's experienced raising a child with a chronic illness, and offers words of encouragement to those of you who may currently be struggling in the midst of trauma. 

On this episode of Sworn Testimonies, Dr. Anastasia Williams breaks down the coronavirus. She shares helpful information about the virus, how best to protect your family, explains how people are tested for the virus, and debunks popular myths circulating around the internet (i.e. can black people can't catch it, and will drinking water will prevent the virus). Dr. Anastasia L. Williams graduated from Cornell University in 1991 and from the University of Virginia School of Medicine in 1998. She is also an Assistant Professor for George Washington University and a Clinical Instructor for George Mason University.  Dr. Williams has regularly been voted a “Top Doctor” by her peers in the Washingtonian Magazine and Northern Virginia Magazine, and has been recognized in the Guide to America’s Top Pediatricians.  

Elaine Swann is the leading and most nationally recognized lifestyle and etiquette expert in the country.  As an authority on social etiquette and lifestyle practices, Elaine has appeared on numerous news and talks shows including the TODAY Show, Dr. Oz, CNN, Inside Edition, Access Hollywood, E Network and more. On this episode of Sworn Testimonies, I talk to Elaine about everything from social media arguments to how to handle hard questions about your love life. She also so drops some business gems at the end for all of my fellow (and aspiring) entrepreneurs! 

When Nick was drafted to Vietnam, he made the difficult decision not to go to war. As a black man growing up in the civil rights era, he struggled to justify fighting on behalf of a country that treated him like a second-class citizen. On this episode of Sworn Testimonies, Nick discusses growing up in the sixties, and how he eventually managed to evade the draft.  

On this episode of Sworn Testimonies, Marieclare shares some incredible, potentially life-saving tips for people who find themselves in a situation where they’re being attacked or assaulted. Her advice is suited for both men AND women. Learning to protect yourself is a form of self-love. To contact Marieclare, you can e-mail her at [email protected]. The book she references in the podcast is “The Gift of Fear” by Gavin De Becker. 

Danielle was in a coma for almost two months after she was hit by a drunk driver. Her heart stopped beating, and paramedics attempted to put her in a body bag. After the doctors pulled the plug, she miraculously woke up. Her testimony is inspiring. 

What does it mean to be happy? Are happiness and joy the same thing? How does one find true, lasting joy? On this episode of Sworn Testimonies, Kiara discusses how to find joy by learning to practice radical honesty, radical acceptance, and radical action. 

Sometimes the breakdowns we experience in life are blessings in disguise. In the midst of the storm, they often force us to pay attention to what’s happening in our bodies, in our minds, and in our spirits. On this episode of #SwornTestimonies, designer Dominique of @namasteandcrochet (as recently featured at NY Fashion Week) shares how being a workaholic lead to hospitalization/ a life-changing breakdown that changed the way she saw the world around her.

As an attorney who decided to leave her comfortable 6-figure job to pursue her passion full time, Kiara understands first hand how scary it can be choose purpose over passion, and why figuring out what our purpose is can sometimes feel overwhelmingly. On this episode of Sworn Testimonies, Kiara discuses how to discover and unlock your purpose.