Ten Minutes of Truth with Shawn A. Barksdale

🎙️ Real Talk from the Ground Up
Shawn and Lawrence got real today — sitting right on the grass outside Social Services — to speak directly to the MEN in our community.

They talked about what it means to truly step up as fathers, to lead with love, and to raise our children with purpose. They spoke on the responsibility we have not just to our kids, but to respect and work with the mothers of our children, even when it's hard.

Shawn didn’t sugarcoat it — he said clearly:

“I’m a work in progress, but I’m moving intentionally, with purpose.”

💬 This wasn’t just a conversation... it was a call to ACTION.
Men — your presence matters. Your growth matters. Your leadership matters.

Let’s rise up and build the future our children deserve. 💪🏾👨‍👧‍👦

🎤 Full Promo and Keynote Speech by Dr. Tony Dice — Region 5 Recovery Advisory Council

The Region 5 Recovery Advisory Council’s first-ever Peer-Led Recovery Conference was a powerful success — and now you can watch the full keynote speech by Dr. Tony Dice right here.

This dynamic and thought-provoking presentation captures the heart of Region 5’s mission to Bridge the Gap between recovery, family, and community. Dr. Dice’s message of faith, perseverance, and purpose left the audience inspired and reminded everyone of the power of peer connection and lived experience.

🎥 You can watch it right here on Facebook, or visit Region 5’s YouTube channel to watch there — and if you prefer to listen, it’s also available on Apple Podcasts and all major podcast platforms.

Produced and co-branded with Shawn A. Barksdale and the Ten Minutes of Truth Podcast, this is part of the Region 5 Conference & Podcast Series, recorded live at The Hub757 in Suffolk, Virginia.

📅 Don’t miss next year’s two-day conference — September 29–30, 2026, at The Hub757. Registration details coming soon!

#Region5Recovery #BridgingTheGap #TenMinutesOfTruth #PeerRecovery #RecoveryCommunity #DrTonyDice #DBHDS #Hub757 #BootsOnTheGround #RecoveryConference #MentalHealthAwareness #SubstanceUseRecovery #VirginiaRecovery

🚨 CALL TO ACTION – HALIFAX COUNTY & SOUTH BOSTON 🚨 If the government shutdown and SNAP/EBT benefit stoppage are going to affect your family, go to the Ten Minutes of Truth Podcast Facebook page and tell us what challenges you’re facing and how you’re planning to cope if benefits are delayed or cut off. Your voice matters — we want to hear from you.

🎙️ SPECIAL EPISODE ANNOUNCEMENT Because of the urgency of this situation, Shawn A. Barksdale recorded a real, unfiltered conversation with the mother of his children about the human impact of this potential shutdown. This isn’t our typical studio-quality recording — but the message couldn’t wait. Families are already feeling the pressure, and it’s time we all step up.

🧩 A MESSAGE TO OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS We’re asking for immediate collaboration from Halifax County Police Department, Halifax County Department of Social Services, Local Food Banks and the Feed Halifax Truck, Hitachi, and other community-focused businesses. We need your help sharing accurate information, directing residents to resources, and keeping our community calm, fed, and informed.

This is not politics — this is public safety. Together, we can prevent panic, promote peace, and make sure no family in Halifax County is left behind. 🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts and 19 other major podcast outlets. #HalifaxCountyStrong #FeedHalifax #TenMinutesOfTruth #SNAPUpdate #EBT #SouthBostonVA #CommunityFirst #PublicSafety #FoodSecurity #EmergencyResponse #ShawnABarksdale

💡 Medicaid Billing Made Clear — Supporting Peers Through Knowledge

At the 2025 Region 5 Advisory Council First Peer-Led Recovery Conference & Podcast Series, Dianna Wegkamp and Rebecca Graser joined Shawn A. Barksdale on the Ten Minutes of Truth Podcast to discuss their dynamic sessions — Medicaid Billing Part 1 & Part 2.

Together, they broke down how understanding Medicaid billing empowers peer recovery specialists and agencies to sustain their work, expand services, and improve outcomes for those in recovery. Their conversation highlights the importance of education, transparency, and collaboration in building stronger systems of care.

🎧 Watch the full interview video on Facebook (upload directly)
🔗 Or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and 19 other platforms

#Region5RAC #BridgingTheGap #PeerRecovery #MedicaidBilling #TenMinutesOfTruth #BootsOnTheGround #RecoveryConference #SystemsOfCare #EducationMatters #PeerSupport #Empowerment #Sustainability #RecoveryCommunity

🌉 Bridging the Gap Through Justice Support

At the 2025 Region 5 Advisory Council First Peer-Led Recovery Conference & Podcast Series, Ann-Marie Byrd and Jamie Easley sat down with Shawn A. Barksdale on the Ten Minutes of Truth Podcast to discuss what it truly means to support peers with justice involvement.

Their conversation highlights how lived experience, compassion, and person-centered recovery can transform lives far beyond the walls of the justice system. Ann-Marie and Jamie share how peers are stepping up to guide others—rebuilding trust, reconnecting families, and bridging the gap between recovery and reintegration.

🎧 Watch the full interview video on Facebook (upload directly)
🔗 Or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and 19 other platforms

#Region5RAC #BridgingTheGap #PeerRecovery #JusticeInvolvement #TenMinutesOfTruth #BootsOnTheGround #RecoveryCommunity #SecondChances #PeerSupport #RestorativeJustice #Empowerment #PersonCenteredRecovery

🕯 Patrick Henry’s Red Hill Presents: 2025 Legacy Roundtable & 4th Annual Quarter Place Tribute
📅 October 4, 2025 | Brookneal, Virginia

Patrick Henry’s Red Hill hosted the 4th Annual Quarter Place Tribute alongside the Legacy Roundtable Discussion, bringing together voices dedicated to preserving history and honoring the legacy of the enslaved and their descendants. For more information and how you can get involved go to: www.redhill.org 

Featured participants included:

• Lucia Butler — Archaeologist
• Margaret Dudley — Archaeologist
• Peyton Young — Genealogist
• Lisa Beal — Descendant & Board Member

The roundtable focused on how we can move forward together — recognizing those whose stories shaped our nation, preparing for next year’s 250th anniversary of the United States, and exploring how each of us can help share and celebrate this history.

Under the leadership of Hope Marstin, CEO of Patrick Henry’s Red Hill, the staff continues to embrace her same drive, determination, and passion for honoring the past and building a more informed and united future.

This tribute wasn’t just a reflection on history — it was a call to action for the future. Together, we can ensure the legacies of the enslaved and their descendants are never forgotten.

#RedHillLegacy #QuarterPlaceTribute #PatrickHenryRedHill #HonoringOurHistory #DescendantVoices #LegacyRoundtable #HistoryInAction #HopeMarstin #BrooknealVA #250thAnniversary

Listen to Pastor Justin Goodman talk about how Hope City Church welcomes all just as they are.
Email: [email protected]
540 East Constance Road
Suffolk, Virginia 23434
757-439-6755 
www.hopecityva.com

🎙 A Conversation With Kiera Moore & Sam

at the 2025 Region 5 Recovery Advisory Council’s First Peer-Led Recovery Conference & Podcast Series

In this 10 Minutes of Truth episode — recorded live at Hub757 in Suffolk, Virginia — Shawn A. Barksdale talks with Kiera Moore and Sam about what it took to make the Region 5 Recovery Advisory Council’s First Peer-Led Recovery Conference such a success.

Kiera, the Conference Coordinator, and Sam share how months of hard work, collaboration, and commitment paid off — creating an event that connected peers, professionals, vendors, and community members in one powerful space of recovery and growth. They discuss how Region 5 truly functions as a family, with everyone stepping up, supporting one another, and bridging the gap for recovery across the region.

They also introduce their new venture — the Reentry and Recovery Alliance — an organization dedicated to helping returning citizens rebuild their lives through meaningful work, guidance, and community support.

💜 This conversation highlights leadership, teamwork, and the heart behind Region 5’s mission to empower people and strengthen communities.

🎧 listen to the audio version on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, and 19+ other platforms.

#10MinutesOfTruthPodcast #Region5RecoveryConference #BootsOnTheGround #ReentryAndRecoveryAlliance #PeerRecovery #ReturningCitizens #RecoveryCommunity #BridgingTheGap #LeadershipInAction #ShawnABarksdale #KieraMoore #Region5Family

🎙 Kattrell Lewis | Region 5 Recovery Advisory Council

At the 2025 Region 5 Recovery Advisory Council’s First Peer-Led Recovery Conference, Kattrell Lewis was everywhere — guiding attendees to breakout sessions, helping vendors find their tables, running messages, and jumping in wherever help was needed. 💪🏽

Kattrell shared how being part of Region 5 feels like being part of a family — where everyone supports one another and the leadership encourages independent thinking and initiative.

She gave special thanks to Conference Coordinator Kiera Moore, whose leadership and motivation inspired the entire team to give their best and make the conference a true success.

🎧 Listen to the full audio conversation now!
Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts, and all major platforms.

#BootsOnTheGround #Region5RecoveryConference #10MinutesOfTruthPodcast #KattrellLewis #KieraMoore #PeerRecovery #RecoveryCommunity #BridgingTheGap #Teamwork #Region5Family #LeadershipInAction

🎙 A Conversation With Lauren Pegram

at the 2025 Region 5 Recovery Advisory Council’s First Peer-Led Recovery Conference & Podcast Series

Recorded live at Hub757 in Suffolk, Virginia, this 10 Minutes of Truth episode — produced in partnership with the Region 5 Recovery Advisory Council — features Lauren Pegram, Secretary for Region 5 and one of the many dedicated members who make the council feel like family.

Lauren wears many hats and always “gets in where she fits in.” On conference day, she stepped up wherever she was needed — supporting Conference Coordinator Kiera Moore and helping ensure the day ran smoothly for presenters, guests, and attendees alike.

Her teamwork and positive spirit embody what Region 5 is all about — unity, service, and collaboration. 💜

🎧 listen to the audio version on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, and 19+ other platforms.

#10MinutesOfTruthPodcast #Region5RecoveryConference #BootsOnTheGround #PeerRecovery #RecoveryCommunity #BridgingTheGap #LaurenPegram #KieraMoore #ShawnABarksdale #Region5Family #LeadershipInAction