Unboxed and Fearless Podcast with Dr. Natasha Weems, DNP-BC

What does resilience look like when the cameras are off and real life is waiting at home?In the conclusion of this powerful two-part conversation, Alimi Ballard gets personal. Beyond the roles, beyond the set — he speaks candidly about what it means to be a present father, a grounded partner, and a man committed to protecting his peace in an industry that rarely makes space for that conversation.Dr. Natasha Weems goes there with him — exploring the intersection of career, family, mental wellness, and the kind of resilience that is not about toughing it out, but about building a life that actually sustains you. This episode is for the man who is trying to do it all without losing himself. For the parent who is performing at the highest level professionally while showing up fully at home. For anyone who knows that the real win is not fame — it is wholeness.This is what resilience really looks like.

In Part 1 of this two-part Resilience Series conversation, Dr. Natasha Weems sits down with actor and producer Alimi Ballard for the kind of honest conversation that Hollywood rarely allows. Alimi has built a career defined by versatility, depth, and staying power — and in this episode, he pulls back the curtain on what that journey has actually required.This is the resilience that does not trend. The persistence that happens between roles. The mental and emotional work of building a career in entertainment while remaining grounded, whole, and purposeful. Dr. Natasha brings her fearless interview presence to a conversation that will resonate with creatives, professionals, and anyone who has ever had to keep going when the path was unclear.Still in the game. Still standing. Still building

The conversation deepens. The truth gets louder.In Part 2, Dr. Natasha Weems and Richard Lawson go beyond the career and into the soul of the man. What fuels someone who has already achieved iconic status to keep going? What does faith look like when the industry tests it? What does reinvention feel like from the inside?Richard opens up about the personal chapters that shaped his perspective on purpose, legacy, and what it means to lead not just as an artist — but as a human being. This episode is for everyone who has ever had to rebuild, reimagine, or recommit to themselves. It is a masterclass in what it means to stay driven when the world already thinks you have arrived.Unscripted. Unfiltered. Unbreakable

What does it take to build a legacy that lasts decades in one of the most unforgiving industries in the world?In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, Dr. Natasha Weems sits down with legendary actor, director, and educator Richard Lawson for a raw, unfiltered look at the journey behind the legend. Richard has appeared in some of Hollywood's most iconic films and television series — and today he pours into the next generation through Richard Lawson Studios, one of the most respected acting training grounds in the industry.This is not a highlight reel. This is the real story - the setbacks, the defining moments, the discipline, and the unbreakable spirit that has carried Richard Lawson through it all. Dr. Natasha brings her signature fearless interview style to pull out the truth behind the craft, the sacrifices behind the success, and the wisdom that can only come from someone who has lived it.

Black women in the United States are dying from pregnancy-related causes at rates 2 to 4 times higher than white women. In 2023 alone, the maternal mortality rate for Black women reached 50 deaths per 100,000 live births — and if current trends continue, that number could nearly double to 94 by 2040.This episode is not just a conversation. It is a document of record.Dr. Natasha Weems sits down with fertility and maternal health specialist Dr. Tina Koopersmith to trace the full arc of this crisis — from J. Marion Sims performing experimental surgeries on enslaved Black women without anesthesia in 1844, to the viral videos of Karrie Jones and Mercedes Wells being ignored in labor in 2025. The throughline is unbroken: Black women's pain has never been taken seriously in American medicine.Together they discuss the data, the history, the systemic failures, and what real change looks like from the inside of a clinical practice committed to equitable, human-centered care.

Welcome to Unboxed and Fearless with Dr. Natasha Weems. I am your host, your guide and your voice for health, wellness and culture. This episode takes you inside the 4th Annual Afro Awards. The show was founded by Taiwo Oduala, a global creator who built a platform that honors excellence, leadership and humanitarian impact across the world. This year’s honorees included top entertainers, global changemakers and myself as a recipient. It was a night that blended purpose, legacy and celebration. Join me, along with the Dining Divas California, as we bring you the stories behind the spotlight. Stream this show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts, Pandora and YouTube.

We hit the rooftop of the iconic Sofitel Beverly Hills for the unforgettable Modern Day Wife: Soirée en Blanc!As a returning panelist, I had the honor of sharing the stage again—joined by my Dining Divas California sisters and a dynamic media team capturing every empowering moment.🎤 Featured Interviews Include: • Lisa Easton – Millionaire Morning Mamas | From rock bottom to financial freedom through mindset shifts. • Tristan Cunningham – @trooramagazine | Redefining sustainability and amplifying underrepresented voices in global media. • Robyn Schreiber – @beautiisoles | Creating luxury, comfort-focused fashion that disrupts traditional footwear. • Ruth-Ann Thorne – @n8iv_beauty & @nativestarboutique | Elevating Indigenous beauty and reclaiming ancestral wisdom.This episode is filled with resilience, red carpet radiance, and business gems from women leading with purpose and passion.📍 Recorded onsite at Sofitel Los Angeles🎙️ Host: Dr. Natasha Weems, DNP, AGPCNP-BC @drnatasha_🎧 Podcast: @unboxedandfearlesspodcast👯‍♀️ Co-Host: @justinereiss | Interviews by: @melaniesoloway👠 Powered by: @thediningdivascalifornia x @themoderndaywife🎥 Production: @tcleanmedia

Founded by Holly Robinson Peete and Rodney Peete, the HollyRod Foundation continues to empower families impacted by autism and Parkinson’s Disease, inspired by their son RJ’s journey on the spectrum.

For Dr. Natasha, the event carried personal meaning. As a mother of a daughter with autism, she found the night deeply moving — witnessing powerful women like Faith Evan’s and Holly Robinson Peete share their families’ stories reminded her why representation and awareness matter. Attending with her own daughter made the moment even more significant.

The red carpet sparkled with attendees including Faith Evans, Tina Knowles, Glynn Turman, Sheryl Lee Ralph, and many others who continue to blend influence with impact. Their presence reinforced the gala’s message that advocacy and glamour can coexist beautifully.

Organizations such as the HollyRod Foundation, Autism Speaks, and the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research remain critical voices in education, research, and family support.

If you’re interested in collaboration, partnership, or sponsorship opportunities, please reach out:

• Podcast: @unboxedandfearlesspodcast

• Instagram: @drnatasha_

• Website: www.drnatashathenp.com

• Email: [email protected]

• Phone: 951-566-2099

Dr. Natasha Weems, DNP, AGPCNP-BC

Media Correspondent | Nurse Practitioner | Advocate

Step inside the DPA Luxury Gifting Lounge at the Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel. Curated by Nathalie Dubois and DPA, this pre-Emmys suite brought celebrities, creators, and top brands together. In this episode of Unboxed & Fearless with Dr. Natasha Weems, you will hear the stories, the products, and the energy that defined the lounge. Highlights include wellness from Siyah Organics, artisan sweets from Eme’s Baked Goods, bold flavors from La Nena Cantina, crystals and style moments, and a complimentary getaway from Agua Caliente Casinos in Rancho Mirage. Hosted by Dr. Natasha Weems, nurse practitioner, author, philanthropist, and red carpet correspondent. Health, culture, and entertainment meet purpose and community.

Learn more: unboxedandfearlesspodcast.com. Sponsor or place your brand: email [email protected]. Invite our media team to cover your event: unboxedandfearlesspodcast.com

In this transformative episode of Unboxed & Fearless, Dr. Natasha Weems, DNP, AGPCNP-BC—state board-certified nurse practitioner, author, media host, and advocate—welcomes two leaders who are reshaping how we heal through faith and wellness: • Pastor Alexander Franklin Smith, CEO of True Understanding Ministries, Wellness & Pastoral Life Coach, and author of Glory Life Transformation • Dr. Elizabeth Conerly Smith (Dr. Liz), Licensed Professional Counselor and creator of the Soul CARE Transformation MethodTogether, they discuss trauma-informed faith, identity restoration, and the integration of emotional, mental, and spiritual healing. Dr. Liz breaks down her powerful 3-Step Soul CARE process, while Pastor Smith shares insights on how Glory Life Transformation helps people rise above emotional strongholds and walk in purpose.If you’re navigating personal healing, this episode is your invitation to explore what it means to heal everywhere you hurt.⸻Guest Information:Pastor Alexander Franklin SmithGlory Life Transformation Programs📧 Email: [email protected]🌐 Website: www.trueunderstandingministries.org📞 Phone: 601-325-3931Dr. Elizabeth Conerly Smith (Dr. Liz)Founder, Dr. Liz Soul CARE & Clinical Director at Balanced Living Counseling Services📍 318 West Pine St, Hattiesburg, MS 39402📧 Email: [email protected]🌐 Website: www.drlizsoulcare.com📞 Phone: 601-325-3932⸻Media Inquiries, Sponsorships, or Podcast Collaborations:Contact Dr. Natasha Weems, DNP, AGPCNP-BC📧 Email: [email protected]🌐 Website: • drnatashaweemsmedia.carrd.co • www.drnatashathenp.com📲 Instagram: @drnatasha_