In this conversation, Lacy Simmons, a licensed psychotherapist, shares her journey into mental health, focusing on her work with the unhoused population in Los Angeles. She discusses the intersection of mental health and homelessness, the barriers individuals face in accessing services, and the importance of trauma-informed care. Lacy emphasizes the need for compassion, understanding, and the recognition of humanity in those experiencing homelessness. She also highlights the significance of boundaries in therapy and personal life, and the evolving landscape of mental health treatment, advocating for greater accessibility and inclusivity in mental health services.

Lacy Simmons is a licensed therapist and clinical social worker in Los Angeles, California. One of her professional areas of focus includes working to support the mental health and recovery of unhoused Angelenos as they transition from street homelessness into permanent supportive housing. Additionally, in Lacy's private practice she is known as "The Boundary Therapist" and works with adults on understanding the importance of establishing healthy boundaries in all aspects of their lives. Lacy uses multiple treatment modalities to address trauma recovery including EMDR.

Story Notes:

• Introduction to Lacy Simmons and Her Journey
• Addressing Homelessness and Mental Health
• Barriers to Accessing Mental Health Services
• Success Stories in Mental Health Support
• Seeing Humanity in the Unhoused
• Understanding Trauma-Informed Care
• The Importance of Boundaries
• Navigating Chronic Illness and Support
• Evolving Mental Health Landscape

To learn more about Lacy Simmons, visit:

Website: https://msha.ke/theboundarytherapist

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theboundarytherapist/

To learn more about the Social Brew, visit:

https://socialbrew.us/

In this episode of The Conscious Cup Podcast, Don and Bridget Brewster share their journey of founding Agape International Missions (AIM) and their work in combating sex trafficking in Cambodia. They discuss the origins of AIM and how they were inspired to take action after witnessing the trafficking of children in Cambodia. The couple explains the various programs and initiatives AIM has implemented, including aftercare centers, a SWAT team, an employment center, and a school. They also highlight the importance of self-care and celebrating victories in the fight against trafficking. The Brewsters emphasize the need for financial support, prayer, and awareness-building to combat this issue.

Story Notes:

•  The Origins of AIM and the Need for Action
•  The Programs and Initiatives of AIM
•  Taking Care of Oneself and Celebrating Victories
•  Supporting the Fight Against Sex Trafficking
•  Future Plans for AIM
•  Getting Involved in the Fight Against Trafficking

To learn more about Bridget and Don Brewster, visit:

https://aimfree.org/

To learn more about the Social Brew, visit:

https://socialbrew.us/

Join Simone Ispahani on The Conscious Cup podcast as she delves into the inspiring journey of Jenny Footle, the incredible founder of Beautiful Feet Wellness, in this week's episode. In this episode, Simone and Jenny discuss the origins of Beautiful Feet Wellness, Jenny's personal experiences with human trafficking, and the impactful work she does to help survivors heal holistically—body, mind, and spirit.

Jenny shares her journey from volunteering at safe houses to founding Beautiful Feet Wellness, emphasizing the importance of community and real relationships in the healing process. With a background in fitness and personal training, Jenny explains how physical activity plays a vital role in helping survivors reconnect with their bodies and move from a state of survival to thriving.

The episode also delves into the challenges Jenny faced as a person of color and someone with lived experience, highlighting the barriers she overcame to establish and sustain Beautiful Feet Wellness. As Jenny pursues her studies in public health, she sheds light on the holistic approach the organization takes and the significance of building a strong support system for survivors.

Story Notes:

• Building Community and Connection
• Formation of Beautiful Feet Wellness
• Mission and Approach of Beautiful Feet Wellness
• Challenges Faced as an Entrepreneur
• Supporting Long-Term Healing
• Moving from Surviving to Thriving
• Upcoming Events and Projects
• Book Release

To learn more about Jenny Footle, visit:

Website: https://beautifulfeetwellness.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beautiful.feet.wellness/

Website: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/railroad-jenny-footle/1143803183?ean=9798223788607

To learn more about the Social Brew, visit:

https://socialbrew.us/

In this episode of The Conscious Cup, host Simone Ispahani sits down with Emily Karc, the founder of Learning to Live Beloved Ministries, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering survivors of human trafficking and exploitation. Emily shares her inspiring journey, revealing how a chance encounter with a survivor led her to step out of her comfort zone and embark on a mission to provide hope, healing, and restoration to women in need. Join Simone and Emily as they delve into the heart of human trafficking awareness, the challenges faced, and the transformative power of faith and community support.

Simone and Emily reflect on the power of community support, faith, and the willingness to step into the unknown to create meaningful change.Listeners are encouraged to get involved, ask questions, and support organizations like Learning to Live Beloved Ministries to make a difference in the fight against human trafficking.

Story Notes:

☕ Introduction to Emily and Learning to Live Beloved Ministries

☕ The Meaning Behind "Learning to Live Beloved"

☕ Challenges in Addressing Human Trafficking Locally

☕ Creating Impact Through "Angel Packs"

☕ Overcoming Challenges and Imposter Syndrome

To learn more about Emily, visit:

https://www.livebeloved.org/

To learn more about the Social Brew, visit:

https://socialbrew.us/

On this episode of "The Conscious Cup" podcast, Simone Ispahani welcomes Tammy Bitanga, the Interim Director of Community Programs at Hoʻōla Nā Pua and a survivor of childhood sexual exploitation. Tammy's journey into advocacy began when she attended a women's conference in 2010 and learned about human trafficking. Over the years, she became deeply involved with Hoʻōla Nā Pua, focusing on raising awareness about this critical issue.Tammy's personal history involves early childhood abuse, foster care, victimization, and a period of chronic runaway experiences. Her commitment to advocacy and mentoring for trafficking victims stems from her own healing journey.

Hoʻōla Nā Pua, where Tammy works, is dedicated to awareness, education, and prevention of sex trafficking. They prioritize educating children about healthy relationships and risk factors to prevent victimization. Pearl Haven, part of their efforts, provides a safe place for children aged 11 to 17 who have been exploited, integrating cultural activities into the healing process.

Additionally, Tammy emphasizes the significance of the Starfish Mentoring Program, which supports survivors aged 11 to 24, both within and outside of Pearl Haven. Her dedication to this cause is rooted in her own transformation and the hope of creating a world free from human trafficking.Tammy's story serves as an inspirational beacon in the fight against trafficking, highlighting the importance of understanding, empathy, and respecting survivors' boundaries in their healing journey.

Story Notes:

•  Tammy Bitanga's Background
•  Prevention and Healing
•  Empowering Survivors
•  Awareness, Education, Prevention, and Support
•  Tammy's Role in Hoʻōla Nā Pua
•  Healing Journey

To learn more about Tammy, visit:

www.hoolanapua.org

To learn more about the Social Brew, visit:

https://socialbrew.us/

In this episode of The Conscious Cup podcast, Simone Ispahani welcomes Iri Divincenzo, the Adoption Manager at Pasadena Humane. Simone and Iri discuss Iri's journey from a career in fashion to her passionate work in animal welfare. They delve into various aspects of animal rescue and the programs offered by Pasadena Humane. Iri shares insights on misconceptions about animal rights and offers advice for those interested in getting involved in animal welfare. Iri also emphasizes the importance of educating the public about ethical animal practices and supporting rescue organizations.

Story Notes:

☕ Meet Iri and Her Foster Kitten, Mel

☕ Iri's Role at Pasadena Humane

☕ Iri's Transition to Animal Welfare

☕ Memorable Animal Rescues

☕ Balancing Self-Care in Animal Welfare

☕ Pasadena Humane's Community Cat Program

To learn more about Pasadena Humane, visit:

https://pasadenahumane.org/

To learn more about the Social Brew, visit:

https://socialbrew.us/

In this episode of The Conscious Cup, host Simone Ispahani engages in a heartfelt conversation with Pavita Singh, the Executive Director of Girls Health Ed. They discuss the organization's mission, Pavita's personal journey, the impact of their work, and the importance of comprehensive health and sexuality education for adolescent girls and young women. Pavita shares her own experiences with mental health challenges and how they led her to dedicate her career to empowering others and breaking down stigma.

Pavita explains that Girls Health Ed is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering healthy, informed, and empowered decision-making among adolescent girls and young women, particularly in underserved communities. They provide comprehensive health and sexuality education through trained teaching fellows, focusing on topics such as nutrition, body image, violence prevention, and more.

Simone and Pavita acknowledge the strength and power that comes from turning struggles into strengths. They emphasize the importance of breaking down stigma, providing support, and empowering individuals, especially young women, to lead healthy and empowered lives.

Story Notes:

☕ Girls Health Ed's Mission

☕ Program Delivery Model

☕ Gender Confidence Gap

☕ Theory of Change and Impact

☕ Personal Journey and Connection to the Cause

☕ Intersection of Trauma and Mental Health

☕ Becoming Involved with Girls Health Ed

☕ Art as Healing

☕ Navigating Healthcare System

To learn more about Pavita, visit:

Instagram - @magicwithpavita

Instagram - @girlshealthed

Website - magicwithpavita.com

Website - https://publishyourgift.lpages.co/pavita-psyche/

To learn more about the Social Brew, visit:

https://socialbrew.us/

In this episode of The Conscious Cup podcast, Simone Ispahani is joined by her long-time friend, Laura Fooks, the founder of Light Speaks Loudest. Laura shares her journey from a teenage dream to a successful entrepreneur and how her faith has been a guiding force. They explore the challenges faced by teen girls, the importance of authentic resources, and the impact of comparison on self-esteem.

Laura recounts a heartwarming experience when her home church sponsored boxes for every middle school and high schooler, leading to a sixth-grader reaching out to express gratitude for the life-changing impact of Light Speaks Loudest. The company's first conferences brought together teen girls from different places, emphasizing the need for spaces tailored to this unique age group.

Story Notes:

☕Introducing Laura and Light Speaks Loudest

☕Impactful Stories from Light Speaks Loudest

☕Navigating Teenage Isolation during COVID

☕Building Self-Esteem and Navigating Identity

☕Entrepreneurship Journey and Business School

To learn more about Laura Fooks, visit:

https://www.lightspeaksloudest.com/

To learn more about the Social Brew, visit:

https://socialbrew.us/

In this week's episode, Simone sits down with her friend Kathy Eldon, co-founder of Creative Visions Foundation. Creative Visions was inspired by the life of Kathy's son, Dan Eldon, a photojournalist killed in Somalia in 1993. The foundation supports creative activists using their talents for good, just as Dan did.

Kathy is a multi-talented individual who has excelled in various fields, including film and television production, journalism, and writing. She has written 17 books, including "The Journey is The Destination," a collection of her son's journal pages, which has inspired people worldwide to live more compassionately and purposefully.

During the conversation, Kathy shares her inspiring journey of turning pain into purpose after the tragic loss of her son. She discusses the power of visualization, the significance of nature in grounding oneself, and the importance of storytelling as a tool to heal and inspire others.

Currently, Kathy is working on a new animation project for kids, Harper's World, focused on boosting the mental health and resilience of four to seven-year-olds. She invites listeners to share their ideas and resources to support this project and create a positive impact on the future generation.

Story Notes:

☕ Kathy Eldon’s Background

☕ "The Journey is The Destination"

☕ Get Outside and Connect With Nature

☕ The Importance of Sharing Stories and Experiences With Others

☕ Enthusiasm, Making-Believe Bravery, and Embracing Authenticity

To learn more about Kathy Eldon, visit:

Kathy Eldon: Website - kathyeldon.com

Dan Eldon: Website: https://www.daneldon.org/

Creative Visions Foundation: Website - creativevisions.org

To learn more about the Social Brew, visit:

https://socialbrew.us/

In this episode of "The Conscious Cup Podcast," host Simone Ispahani shares her personal journey and the creation of her business, Social Brew. Growing up in diverse cultures, Simone developed a passion for helping others, inspired by her parents' philanthropic efforts. She discusses her ecommerce coffee company, which donates 50% of its proceeds to combat human trafficking. Simone highlights her nonprofit partners and their programs aimed at survivors' rehabilitation and empowerment. She recounts her own transformative experiences and the role of faith in her decision to start Social Brew. Listeners are encouraged to pursue their passions and make a meaningful impact. The Conscious Cup Podcast aims to inspire and explore the connection between coffee, community, and social change.

Story Notes:

• Simone's Multicultural Upbringing and Exposure to Diverse Cultures
• The Influence of Simone's Parents and their Commitment to Serving Others
• The Founding of the Master's Peace Foundation
• The Inspiration Behind Social Brew
• The Core Message of The Conscious Cup Podcast

To learn more about the Social Brew, visit:

https://socialbrew.us/