Life works in mysterious ways. Some discover their passion in high school and for others it finds them! A career, a passion, or what you are meant to do does not have to check off anyone else’s boxes, but your own. To truly find a purpose that aligns with what you want and who you are you must do the work of unlearning and relearning the most simple concepts. In this episode, Jasleen guides us through the process of discovering her true passion, the challenges that she faced, and how therapeutic services assisted her in finding tools to ground herself in her daily life while walking a path of true independence and freedom. 

Jasleen Kaur, who immigrated to the United States from India at the age of 12 and lived in NYC for the past 12 years until she recently moved to Jersey City. Managing many challenges while growing up in the home and school settings, she found herself pouring most of her energy into her education.

Jasleen initially went to college to become a doctor; however, her heart lay in the nonprofit world. After a series of events and career changes post-graduation, she finally found her calling in the nonprofit world, where she feels she's meant to be. She currently serves as the Manhattan Reality Check Youth Engagement Manager of NYC Smoke-Free at Public Health Solutions (PHS). Previously, she conducted research on COVID-19 antibodies and HIV-1 detection assays as a Wadsworth Research Fellow at the New York State Department of Health. She transitioned into the nonprofit sector due to her passion for community engagement and desire to actively contribute to equitable healthcare initiatives. Jasleen holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies from Stony Brook University.

Her experiences with laboratory work and applied research, which has an immediate impact on patients and the community, and her previous experience with non-profit organizations supporting the education of girls in India and around the world have also influenced her decision to eventually return to school to pursue a Master of Public Health degree.

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You can connect with Jasleen on Instagram @healwjass .

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Follow @fredericktalks on Instagram to connect with me and get the latest details of the podcast. 

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Watch the video of this episode on YouTube- https://youtu.be/yjAraUyWVFU

As a Social Worker, you have to hustle! Most individuals in this profession are managing many roles and responsibilities both personally and professionally. Social Workers must also utilize the tools and interventions that assist their patients in managing symptoms and feelings that come up for them. You have to practice what you preach to be authentically yourself within and outside of spaces. Natalie discusses her journey with ADHD symptoms, the multiple projects she’s involved with, the importance of creativity for practice, and more in this episode.

Natalie Gutierrez, LMSW (She/ Her) and a current doctoral student at the University of Kentucky’s Doctorate of Social Work Program with a concentration in Social Work Education. Natalie is a Licensed Psychotherapist specializing in trauma, EMDR therapy, CPTSD, grief, anxiety, women’s health, BIPOC individuals and LGBTQIA+ communities. Natalie proudly identifies as Dominican-American. Natalie is also the host of her own podcast called “Tea Time” where she meets with other professionals in the mental health field and Social Work field to discuss topics important to the field. 

Natalie serves as a Community Advisory Board member for the Healing and CPTSD Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to providing resources, support and community for individuals who have been impacted by trauma or are living with CPTSD. As a CAB member, Natalie helps to coordinate and host different live events and workshops and assists in the development of different resources for community members.

Natalie received her Masters in Social Work from Fordham University Graduate School of Social Services and her Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from SUNY College at Old Westbury.

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You can connect with Natalie on Instagram @healingcornerwithnat & at https://linktr.ee/healingcornerwithnat?utm_source=linktree_profile_share

Everyone requires support! Some count on family members or friends to provide it, and others can only get it from professionals. Regardless, it is essential to have a network of individuals who can teach, care for, support, and even encourage you when dealing with challenges, new spaces, and changes that come up. Here, I talk with an old high school friend, Quincy, who understands the challenges of moving from place to place and can attest to the essentialness of people who can lend a hand.

Quincy Cain is a Black Queer artist and performer born in East Meadows, NY, and Raised in Paterson, NJ. He has performed in shows such as Taming of the Shrew and Man of La Mancha as well as various improv acts. His acting career began at age 12 in his first production of Oliver, which served as a segue into show choir and his musings through rhyme. 

He discovered a new love for the storytelling element introduced by writers such as Stephen Sondheim and Howard Ashman. All of this culminates in a modus operandi steered by and geared towards youth and peers alike who have been misjudged and misplaced. Through lyric writing and poetry, he expresses the turmoil and triumph of his life experiences. He aspires to curate spaces that allow others to release common exasperations through forums, stage readings, concert halls, and black boxes. 

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You can connect with Quincy on Instagram @q.caain_

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Follow @fredericktalks on Instagram to connect with me and get the latest details of the podcast. 

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Watch the video of this episode on YouTube- http://www.youtube.com/@TheServiceProviderPodcast-F25

In this episode, you learn more about who I am as a friend and overall person. My closest friend, Barbera, and I talk about our friendship, some traits that define me, and what it takes to sustain a meaningful friendship with another person despite an age difference. In this chat, we dive deeper into who I am and what are some of the things that make me tick. 

Barbra Gomez is a Businesswoman and mother of five. She’s had several businesses alongside her previous partners but is currently a self-made woman as she has rebuilt herself as someone capable and strong. Barbera demonstrates to those around her that no matter what your childhood was like, you are in control of your life. She was raised with many luxuries, which prevented her from truly understanding the difficulties of life as an adult. However, through her perseverance and passion, she has managed to overcome challenges and succeed in any goal that she sets her mind on. 

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Follow me on Instagram @fredericktalks to connect with me and get the latest details of the podcast. 

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Watch the video of this episode on YouTube- http://www.youtube.com/@TheServiceProviderPodcast-F25

In this episode, you learn more about who I am as a social worker. A friend and previous coworker, Chanel, sits down with me to talk about my work ethic and some of my boundaries within the work environment. She gives some insight on what it’s like to work with me, in a CBO, and with friends while managing the responsibilities of your position.

Chanel is a compassionate bilingual Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and psychotherapist dedicated to helping individuals heal, grow, and thrive. Fluent in both English and Spanish, she brings cultural sensitivity to her practice, ensuring her work reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of her clients. With years of experience working with diverse communities, Chanel provides a safe, non-judgmental space for clients to explore their emotions, overcome challenges, and embark on their personal journeys toward well-being.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and is a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor Trainee (CASAC-T). Chanel’s clinical approach combines Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with a person-centered, strengths-based perspective, allowing her to tailor treatment to each individual’s unique needs. Whether supporting clients through everyday stress, anxiety, or depression, Chanel is committed to helping them build resilience and achieve personal growth.

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Follow me on Instagram @fredericktalks to connect with me and get the latest details of the podcast. 

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Watch the video of this episode on YouTube- http://www.youtube.com/@TheServiceProviderPodcast-F25

In this episode, you will learn more about who I am as an artist. With the help of my longest friend, Blessing, we will discuss our experiences attending a College for theatre, the power of ambition, and building community. She goes into detail on what it's like to work with me on an artistic project and captures what I mean when I say, "Make it make sense." 

Bl3ssing Oshun Ra (she/her), born and raised in New York City, is a storyteller, poet, theatre-artist, and performer. Her titles include "The Book of Sojourners" (RootWork Journal, 2022), as well as "Flows n Figurations: Reflections from a Green Afrofuturist Project" (Push/Pull 2022). She was a Climate Justice Fellow with the arts organization Culture Push from 2020 to 2022 and a recipient of the Art Matters Grant for the Art Matters Fellowship in 2023. Her work seeks to find the "magic in the mundane," or quotidian/everyday life, especially with an eye towards political and environmental dimensions thereof. This is an aesthetic she terms "Blue-fi" aka "like scu-fi, but the Blues."

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Follow @fredericktalks on Instagram to connect with me and get the latest details of the podcast. 

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Watch the video of this episode on Youtube- http://www.youtube.com/@TheServiceProviderPodcast-F25

I provide some information about the goals of this podcast. I will be your host while interviewing and having mindful/soulful conversations with guests about topics they closely relate to. Some of the guests will have personal experiences, while others will have professional experiences related to what we talk about!

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Follow me on instagram @fredericktalks to connect with me and get the latest details of the podcast!

This is a short introduction! You'll get to learn a bit about me and what I do for a living. I also talk about the reason why I started this podcast. It might surprise you... or not? You'll only truly know by listening and judging for yourself.

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Follow me on instagram @fredericktalks to connect with me and get the latest details of the podcast!