Talk With Tay

A year ago I pressed record hoping to make sense of my grief; today I’m celebrating 12 months of raw conversations, late-night edits, and unexpected breakthroughs. In this anniversary episode I open up about the tug-of-war between struggling to find myself and finally recognizing the person I’ve become—3½ years after losing my mom and starting this healing journey. From the first shaky intro to now, the podcast has become both microphone and mirror, helping me shed the heaviness I carried and reminding me that relief is possible. Join me as I reflect on the lessons learned, the community we’ve built, and why I’m more committed than ever to keep talking, healing, and growing—one episode at a time.

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In this episode, I sit down with JB, a 17-year-old artist from St. Louis who shares a deeply moving story of love, loss, and resilience. At just 11 years old, JB lost his father, a moment that forever changed the course of his life. Now, six years later, he bravely opens up on the podcast for the first time, reflecting on the emotional weight of stepping into the role of "man of the house" at such a young age.

JB talks about what it was like growing up alongside his sisters and mother while carrying pain he couldn’t always put into words. From quiet strength to creative expression, this conversation is a powerful reminder that grief doesn’t have an age, but neither does healing.

Tune in as we honor JB’s story and the courage it takes to speak your truth, even when your voice shakes.

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In this powerful episode, I sit down with Jared Hendryx — a Black man who, like me, experienced the deep, life-altering loss of his mother. What makes this conversation so important is not just the shared pain, but the mutual recognition that grief in Black men is often overlooked, misunderstood, or buried in silence.

Jared shares what led him to open up — how seeing another Black man speak vulnerably about grief gave him the strength to do the same. Together, we explore the raw emotions that come with losing a mother: from numbness and depression, to relationship strain, accountability, and those moments of quiet clarity. We talk about the dark places grief can take you, but also the beauty that can come from expressing it, healing through it, and knowing you're not alone.

This is more than just a conversation — it’s a mirror for anyone who’s ever felt like they had to grieve in silence. It’s a necessary dialogue about Black men, vulnerability, and the shared journey through loss.

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In this deeply reflective episode, I stepped outside—literally and emotionally—to ask myself a question that’s been weighing heavy: Am I actually healing, or just finding ways to distract myself from the pain?

Surrounded by nature, I recorded this one outdoors, in a space that felt peaceful but still carried the weight of everything I’ve been carrying inside. I talk about the isolation I’ve chosen for peace, the emotional toll of people rushing my grief, and how I’ve had to protect myself from being misunderstood.

This isn’t a conversation with answers—it’s an honest moment of sitting with the confusion that comes with grief and growth.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re moving forward or just getting by… this one’s for you.

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Grief comes with so many emotions, but one of the hardest to navigate is regret the feeling of "I wish I Had More Time" In this episode, I open up about the weight of missed moments, the things left unsaid, and the pain of knowing I can’t get that time back with my mother.

I reflect on my years away at school, avoiding home because of the difficult environment, not realizing that every break, every holiday, was time slipping away. Now, I’d give anything to have those moments back—to share more conversations, to make more memories, to just be present.

Many of us struggle with the 'what if's' The milestones they won’t see, the life moments they won’t be part of—marriage, kids, growth. The reality that healing doesn’t erase the longing for just one more moment

This episode isn’t just about my story—it’s for anyone who has ever carried the weight of regret after loss. It’s about finding ways to cope, to shift our perspective, and to honor our loved ones without guilt Because while we can’t change the past, we can choose how we carry their memory forward.

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In this episode, I explore a stage of grief that rarely gets talked about, which is emotional numbness. What happens when the tears stop, but the pain remains? How do you cope with the guilt of not feeling outwardly sad or not crying for someone you love deeply? I share my personal experience of navigating this phase after losing my mom, 3 years later, and the conflicting feelings of healing, numbness, and internalized sadness. Together, we'll unpack the societal silence around this stage, the weight of guilt in grief, and why missing someone doesn't always look the way we expect. Tune in for an honest conversation about grief's evolution and how to honor your loved ones while learning to live again

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Why is it so hard for men to open up about their trauma? In this episode, we dive into the deep societal expectations that often silence men, making it difficult for them to express their pain and struggles. Using a real-life example of a widely discussed memoir that revealed personal details about a man's struggles after his passing, we explore the ethical questions surrounding privacy, consent, and the impact of sharing someone's story posthumously. I also reflect on my own experiences to unpack why men often choose silence over vulnerability. Join me for an honest conversation about healing, respecting boundaries, and creating safe spaces where men feel empowered to share their truths on their own terms.

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Growth isn’t always glamorous, it’s painful, isolating, and often comes at the expense of relationships you once cherished. In this episode, I dive into the mental toll of separating from your original circle of friends and family while elevating your life. I’ll explore themes of jealousy, stagnant relationships, and why setting boundaries often makes you a target for resentment. We’ll talk about the price of prioritizing self-investment and discipline, how to protect your energy, and the beauty that can come from aligning with your purpose. If you’ve ever struggled with outgrowing loved ones, this one’s for you. Tune in to explore the pain, growth, and power of embracing your next level

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In this deep and raw episode of Talk With Tay, I sit down with Sam Basquiat, the mastermind behind the streetwear brand 'Sorry I was Trapping' Take a deep dive beyond the success of this brand, exploring the mental health battles Sam faced along the way. From giving up football and dropping out of college to his entrepreneurial lows and highs, including the creation of his first failed brand 'F*ck Love' and eventual success with 'Sorry I was Trapping' Sam shares the mental and emotional toll of chasing dreams, losing loved ones, and the personal growth that came from becoming a father. This episode uncovers the layers of resilience, heartbreak, and strength that fuels his drive today.

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In this heartfelt episode of Talk With Tay, I sit down with my good friend PJ Roberts, the youngest head baseball coach at an HBCU, who took on this incredible role at just 24 years old. Our genuine and open conversation dives into PJ's journey from Watts, California, to the baseball fields of St. Louis, where our paths crossed.

We explore the profound impact his father had on shaping his life, how he navigated the grief of losing him, and the lessons learned along the way. PJ shares candid insights into his mental health journey, the challenges and triumphs of breaking barriers in the sports world, and the values he carries both on and off the field.

This episode is more than just a story about baseball—it's a story about resilience, legacy, and finding purpose amidst life's challenges. Whether you're a sports enthusiast, navigating grief, or simply seeking inspiration, this conversation will leave you moved and empowered.

Tune in to hear how PJ Roberts turns pain into purpose and inspires the next generation through the game he loves.

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