The Power of Care Podcast

In this heartfelt and revealing episode, host Brianna Dance sits down with Vallie Kirk and Christine James—two pastor’s wives and contributors to the powerful anthology The Pastors' Wives' Diaries: A Visible Journal of the Invisible Journey. Together, they share personal reflections, unspoken truths, and the often unseen emotional and spiritual weight carried by women in ministry leadership roles. With raw honesty and grace, Vallie and Christine open up about their lived experiences—navigating identity, sacrifice, faith, and resilience behind the pulpit. This authentic conversation sheds light on the hidden layers of ministry life, the importance of community, and the strength it takes to hold space for others while tending to your own soul. Whether you're connected to ministry life or simply seeking a window into real stories of courage and calling, this episode is a testament to the quiet power of being present, seen, and heard. Click here to purchase the book: https://a.co/d/adPhwQq

In this powerful episode, host Brianna Dance is joined by two special guests: Deonte Smith, a seasoned DCPS Behavior Tech, and licensed therapist Ayisha Jones Keith. Together, they unpack the complex, emotional, and often misunderstood world of ADHD—through both clinical expertise and lived experience. From missed diagnoses and parenting challenges to breakthrough moments of self-compassion, this candid conversation explores how ADHD shows up at different stages of life. Ayisha shares her deeply personal journey alongside clinical insights, while Deonte offers real-world school-based strategies to support children navigating ADHD inside and outside the classroom. The episode also explores the often-polarizing conversation around medication vs. non-medication approaches, the role of parenting neurodivergent children, and how, for many, ADHD can be a superpower—fueling creativity, resilience, and out-of-the-box thinking. You’ll walk away with vulnerable storytelling, myth-busting truths, and practical tools that anyone—diagnosed or not—can use to better understand themselves or someone they love.

In the season finale, Brianna opens up about the winding path of healing after deep losses—from the grief of losing a birth mother to the pain of friendship breakups. With heartfelt honesty, she shares what it's like to release codependent relationships, embrace confidence in who she is, and lean into the comforting presence of God as both a guide and friend. This episode is an encouraging reminder that, while loss leaves its mark, it also makes room for freedom, self-discovery, and a love that uplifts and sustains. Join Brianna as she closes Season 2 with words of hope, resilience, and faith for anyone navigating their own journey through loss.

In this inspiring episode, Brianna sits down with Antoine Trowers a Licensed Psychotherapist and the Owner of Ubuntu Wellness, to explore the transformative power of Black mentorship, fatherhood, and choosing a helping profession. Antoine opens up about his journey of pursuing a master’s degree full-time while raising two children and working full-time, sharing the challenges and rewards of balancing it all. Together, they dive into the societal pressures on men to suppress their needs, the importance of holding space for our children and the men we love, and the role therapy plays in parenting. Antoine also shares essential self-care tips for therapists, emphasizing the need for restoration in helping professions. This episode offers practical advice for parents, partners, and professionals alike, reminding us all that healing starts with presence and connection.

In this insightful episode, we’re joined by Ebony Gordon, CEO of HAIRISTA STUDIO, as she shares her expertise on maintaining healthy hair. With over a decade of experience, Ebony debunks common hair myths surrounding color treatments, trims, and overall hair health. She also gives her top product recommendations—including an honest review of Cecred—and provides practical tips for keeping your hair strong and vibrant. Whether you're a seasoned stylist or someone looking to improve your hair care routine, this episode is packed with valuable advice and wisdom from a pro!

Christina M. Jones, Esq. is a survivor of child sexual abuse and passionate advocate for women and girls. Christina has used her training and experience to design and implement consent and sexual assault seminars to teenagers around Washington D.C. She began her career as a prosecutor focusing on crimes against women and children. In this powerful episode, Christina M. Jones, Esq. sheds light on the alarming statistics surrounding Black girls and sexual abuse, diving deep into the themes of shame and the urgent need to destigmatize what sexual assault survivors look like. She shares her journey of becoming an attorney and advocate, dedicating her life's work to prosecuting predators and empowering women and girls to heal. Christina also offers invaluable tips on how we can normalize conversations with our children about their bodies, sex, and consent—while ensuring their safety within our communities and beyond. Book Christina to speak: https://www.commandjoyco.com/about-us-1 Follow Christina: @christinamichellejones@commandjoyco Follow Brianna,Host: @powerofcarepodcast @Brianna.m.dance

Discover the transformative power of design with renowned interior designer Carmeon Hamilton. In this compelling episode, Carmeon shares her personal journey through the heartbreaking losses of her husband and mother, and how these experiences taught her to live with intention. She also recounts her inspiring career path that led her to HGTV, offering invaluable design tips to create spaces that enhance your well-being and reflect your unique personality. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation that blends personal stories with professional insights, guiding you to elevate your space and your life. Checkout her house tour and TED Talk on Envrionmental Truths. Follow her on instagram @carmeonhamilton. Follow Brianna @brianna.m.dance

In this episode, Cyhl and Ashley share their remarkable journey, beginning when they met in college. Cyhl was on a full football scholarship, and Ashley was on a full volleyball scholarship. They first crossed paths at the mall and quickly fell in love. Right after Ashley's final collegiate volleyball game, she discovered she was pregnant, just as Cyhl was preparing to pursue his NFL dream. Together, they navigated hard times, choosing love and growing closer to God and each other as a family. They welcomed their first son, Caiden, and later Carter, both of whom are excelling in sports and academics. Cyhl and Ashley discuss how they prioritize family and careers while mentoring the next generation of athletes.

In this episode, Brianna sits down with licensed mental health therapist Candace Washington to discuss the importance of normalizing the experience of multiple, sometimes conflicting, emotions at once. Candace explains how there is space for both joy and sadness to coexist, and that feeling these emotions simultaneously doesn't indicate weak faith or ingratitude. She courageously shares her personal battle with depression and suicidal ideation, offering insights and hope for those navigating similar struggles. Additionally, Candace dives into some of her favorite examples of people in the Bible who navigated the duality of suffering and faith. Join us for a heartfelt conversation about embracing the full spectrum of our emotional experiences.

In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Jillian Walker, who shares her deeply personal journey of navigating grief after losing her grandmother in 2016 and her father during the height of the pandemic. Jillian opens up about how these profound losses turned her world upside down and the invaluable lessons she has learned along the way. She offers wisdom on humanizing our parents, recognizing their full lives before we came into the picture, and appreciating every moment we have with them. Jillian encourages us to find stillness in times of uncertainty, reflect on our losses, and embrace gratitude for where we are now. Join us for a moving conversation that touches on the essence of life, loss, and the growth that follows.

Follow Jillian on Instagram: @ms.jpw
Follow Brianna: @powerofcarepodcast