***Content Warning - Discussion of Suicide and Suicide topics*** My chat this time is with Steven Barnes. Who is a NY Times bestselling author of over 30 science fiction, horror, and suspense stories. We discuss one of his most recent works the Eightfold Path (currently available for purchase). The Eightfold Path is Stevens and Dr. Charles Johnson work of giving a modern lens on the classic Buddhist teaching, from a science fiction, horror, and suspense perspectives. This includes a discussion about Suicide and martial arts. And they how it have had an impact on Stevens life and work, as a creator. We additional talk about Steven's and his wife Tananarive Dues work on their podcast the Lifewriting: Write for your life! So tune in, enjoy, and share. Links: https://stevenbarneslife.com www.afrofuturismwebinar.com, www.sunkenplaceclass.com

I'm happy to share for the 1 year anniversary of Untying Knots, a chat with: Creator, Author, Screenwriter, and Lecturer Tananarive Due. We discussed the relationship between Afrofuturism, Horror, and Mental Health. As well as her works, specifically material from Ghost Summer. In addition we discuss the podcast that Tananarive and her husband Steven Barnes helm about writing in/for Hollywood and writing in general, called Lifewriting: Write for your life. Followed by our classic question about the Myths and Realities of Mental Health and its present in Creator's life. Links: https://www.tananarivedue.com Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1912568 Lifewriting: https://diamondhour.aweb.page/p/c676f79e-b785-40e0-aab5-3ec9c7c320a9

I have a lovely chat with Yuvelca Magdalena Reyes, who is a full spectrum Birth and Death Doula. We discussed what is a Doula, and how is their work is involved in the process of Birth and Death. This includes the how Yuvelca, is now including Brainspotting into her work and what it has yielded. We also talk about the impact on Clinicians, of Compassion and Vicarious trauma of this work, how self care is viewed in this work, and how BIPOC identity is involved in this work as well. Of course Yuvelca and I, discuss how her interests in the Star Wars universe and how is is present in her work as a Doula. We finish up with the Myth and realities around Mental Health. Listen, explore, share, and review Yuvelca's Links: Yuvelca.com [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/yuvelca.reyes.7 https://www.instagram.com/doulaonthegrow/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/yuvelca-magdalena-aarrington-59896887/

I Blerd (Black Nerd) out, with Mercedes Samudio, LCSW. We discussed how their work was selected to be part of Why Wakanda Matters, what term Oreo means and how it has impacted us both growing up as Blerd's. Mercedes and I discuss our varying connections and what they have meant for to see ourselves in the Nerd/Geek medias, especially Young Adult (YA). Where recognize some of the titles that are BIPOC centered. Which leads to a discuss of how Generational Trauma has appeared for us in the Nerd/Geek medias. As well as how this impact Mercedes work in creating Shame Proof and working with families to raise their children. As well as the Myths and realities about mental health. Mercedes Samudio, LCSW: http://shameproofparenting.com

This episode I chat with Tiha Baker, who is a Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC), Life Coach, and Quasi gamer. Tiha shares their work of Livestreaming their time in nature and the healing and Life Hack works they bring to their viewers. We discussed the some of the stigma around gaming. As well the issue of Geeks culture in Black Culture and the difficulties of integrating it as part of Black Culture. As always the question of the Myths around mental health. Links: Tiha Baker, APCC Psychotherapist [email protected] https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/tiha-baker-san-francisco-ca/286112?sid=626ac1e002fb5&name=tiha+baker IG: novaredstudios Twitter: @novaredsol Twitch: NovaRedSol

I get to chat with Entrepreneur, Streamer, Podcaster, and Horror genre/gamer Bridgett Jeffries. Bridgett is the CEO of Symphony Entertainment and shares what inspired her to start her business. We talk about her being a player on several Call of Cthulhu -Table Top Role Playing Games (TTRPGs), including how she land the spot in The Good Time Society's :The Calyx series. Which also connects to her work as one of the co-host of the Miskatonic University podcast. We also talk about the experience of being BIPOC loves of the TTRPGs, gaming in general, and how it all connects to our mental health. So please join us as we explore this Mythos. Links: www.SymphonyEntertainment.com Miskatonic University Podcast: https://www.mu-podcast.com Good Time Society: The Calxy Genus Loci: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKn7uDfvn2k America: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uK9tDdrczVg

(Content Warning: Discussion of Sex Assault) This episode I talk with Spiritual Worker Luna Pantera, on the subject of Ancestor Lineage Healing and BIPOC Spirituality. She share with me her journey and story around sexual assault, and it's relationship to her working with Ancestral/Generational trauma. This includes how mental health and her spirituality interconnection is involved in her work of heal the Ancestor lines, as well as the work she has done with others to heal their lines. We also discuss the importance of working to connect, and building relationship to LGBT ancestral lines as well. As well as the Myths and Realities about mental health. Luna's website: www.lunastouch.com

I chat with JUBI ARRIOLA-HEADLEY, is a Blacqueer poet, storyteller, and author of the poetry collection Original Kink. We discuss their poetry, creating, how they work is part of their mental health, and life as. Black Gay Men. Jubi share the opportunity they found, and there reality of publishing Poetry. As well as an idea about the direction of the new material they are developing. Myths and Realities of Mental health and Creatives in the Black Culture. Jubi's Links: [email protected] www.justjubi.com https://www.justfemmeanddandy.com/vol-02 Pen America https://pen.org/emerging-voices-fellowship/

Continuing this Pride month celebration, I chat with Creator and Artist, Sean Z. Marker. We discuss his journey of learning about himself as a man of color and his LGBT self. How his mother supported his desire to create art and address his need for therapy. Sean and I discuss what shapes and inspires his work and how he has evolved to create what he needs to see in the world. Additional how the Leather organization ONYX Men helped in finding acceptance in himself. As always we discuss the Myths and Relaties around Mental Health. Sean Z. Maker Links: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-z-maker-2b064827/ https://zmakerstudios.online IG: https://www.instagram.com/zmakerstudios/ https://instagram.com/zmaker/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ZMakerArt/ Tumblr: https://zmakerstudios.tumblr.com/ TwitchTV: https://twitch.tv/ZMakerStudios/

Pride Month Celebration To celebrate Pride Month, we are switching away from our usual airing cycle, to being you more material around BIPOC Mental HEALTH and Life. Next up, I chat with Lida Vala, LMFT about her work with Trans Individuals around their Mental Health. Especially, her work in the area of Gender Based Complex Trauma. As well has her experience as a Trans, and BIPOC individual, of Persian Ancestry. We discuss Pride, how we use it survive and when it becomes maladaptive for our survival. In addition, to the film work with Transfinite, Lida Vala has been involves with. As well as the Myths and Realities around mental health. [email protected] www.lidavala.com