The Trend With Justin A Williams

Welcome back to The Trend with Justin A. Williams! In this episode, I sit down with Tamara Tuckson, a powerhouse of advocacy and resilience. Tamara is an Academy alumna, a first-place pitch winner, an Academy facilitator, and the CEO and founder of Mission 2 Advocate. But beyond the accolades, her story is one of fierce love, determination, and purpose.

Tamara’s journey began with a deeply personal challenge: her daughter was diagnosed with Rett syndrome, the most severe form of Autism for females. Doctors painted a grim picture, predicting she wouldn’t walk, talk, or have purposeful movements and warning of life-threatening complications. But Tamara and her daughter refused to be defined by those limitations. “We define Rett syndrome—it doesn’t define us,” she shares.

What started as a fight for her daughter became a mission to empower other families. Tamara transformed fear and vulnerability into strength, mastering the intricacies of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and discovering ways to advocate effectively. Through Mission 2 Advocate, she offers compassion, resources, and guidance to parents navigating similar challenges, proving that advocacy can change lives.

Join us as we explore her inspiring journey, the lessons she’s learned, and her vision for a more inclusive and compassionate world. You won’t want to miss this conversation with Tamara Tuckson, a true advocate on a mission.

See below for more information on Tamara Tuckson

In this compelling episode of The Trend With Justin A. Williams, author Justin A. Williams takes us on a journey through the creation of his debut novel, Reborn Virtues Constellation. Join Traitmarker Books' Robbie Grayson as they delve into the influences behind the book, starting with Justin’s formative experiences at Princeton's religion department, which shaped the novel’s intricate themes and rich world-building.

Discover how Justin wove his personal insights into the story, including how mental health serves as a central crux for the main character’s development. Through candid reflections, he explores how fantasy writers can draw on their own experiences to craft authentic and resonant narratives.

Whether you're a lover of fantasy, a writer seeking inspiration, or curious about the intersections of storytelling and mental health, this episode offers thought-provoking insights you won’t want to miss. #trend with us

Today’s small business owners are facing a mountain of challenges - from navigating funding issues and managing high rental costs to adapting to reduced foot traffic and standing out amongst competitors. 

Nadia offers invaluable insights into building and sustaining a thriving business. As a successful entrepreneur, Nadia’s incredible journey—from an emerging stylist in Jamaica to a celebrated celebrity stylist and successful business owner in the US -- provides a wealth of knowledge for small business owners looking to overcome their own hurdles. 

Nadia has faced numerous trials in her entrepreneurial journey, including securing funding and establishing a strong customer base in a competitive market. Her expertise in overcoming these challenges makes her uniquely qualified to share practical, actionable advice on achieving success in the service industry. 

In our interview, Nadia discusses strategies for creating a loyal customer base, enhancing brand presence, and adapting to industry changes. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of resilience and strategic thinking. Nadia’s insights into customer experience and business growth are particularly relevant for those in the service industry, where maintaining high standards of service is crucial. Trend with Us!

In the words of our guest "We are ALL negotiators, whether we realize it or not. Whether we are buying a car, applying for a loan, asking for a raise, or advocating for a loved one, we are  negotiating all day, every day. " Damali Peterman's  groundbreaking, powerful book teaches us how to actually ask for what we want—and sidestep any built-in bias we might encounter along the way.

In Negotiating While Black, Damali shows that the only constant in every negotiation is you…and that you are more than enough! Negotiating While Black offers essential advice to anyone who has felt underestimated in a negotiation. Damali would love to share insight on the following topics:

Damali Peterman is a highly regarded and sought-after lawyer, mediator, negotiator, educator, and speaker with nearly 20 years of experience in the alternative dispute resolution field. She believes that we are ALL negotiators, whether we realize it or not. Whether you're asking for a raise, navigating a challenging relationship, we are negotiating all day, every day. She is the founder and CEO of two successful, award-winning companies—Breakthrough ADR, and Damali Law. Her expertise has been featured in Forbes, Cheddar, In Touch, Fast Company, PIX Morning News, Essence, Madame Noire, The Black News Channel, Medium, New York Post, SiriusXM, CBS, FOX, ABC and affiliates across the country.

This book is truly for anyone of any predilection or creed or background! Learn why here on The #Trend

Ken W. Good has worked closely with lawmakers and other individuals on bail matters.  He offers his perspective on the impact that criminal justice and bail reform have had on public safety.

Bail reform remains a contentious subject, with significant implications for public safety and justice system equity. On the one hand, a study from California’s Yolo County District Attorney's office reports alarming re-offense rates among defendants released on zero-bail, suggesting a direct link between bail reform and increased crime. According to this study, 70% of defendants released without bail reoffended, with a significant proportion committing violent crimes.

Conversely, a study published May 22 by researchers at Drexel University, focusing on New Jersey's bail reform, finds no evidence that eliminating cash bail increases violence. New Jersey, one of the first states to significantly reform its bail system, has seen a reduction in pretrial detention without a corresponding rise in gun violence or other crimes.

As bail reform continues to gain traction nationwide, understanding its true impact is crucial for policymakers, law enforcement, and the public. Misconceptions about bail reform could lead to misguided policies that either compromise public safety or perpetuate unnecessary incarceration. #Trend With Us!

Brooks Barron is on a mission to bring a more soulful world together one person at a time! From his center of operations in the wilderness of Colorado, he has transformed his life and the life of others through meaningful, intentional and awakening journeys through the self and nature! We discuss our personal journeys to becoming who we are today and regale and revel at our progress while also explaining why we should always be seeking more: more adventure, more connectedness and more of the beautiful person YOU are! #trend with us