Host Jaquell Bates welcomes special guest @Nichole Muex, a plus-size model and Founder of Common Threads, to discuss how the grief of losing her mother to pancreatic cancer inspired her to create the fashion show, "Common Threads for Cancer Awareness".

Nichole shares her powerful realization that "cancer doesn't discriminate". She details the show's purpose: to unite people—regardless of their differences—to fight the disease by focusing on the "one common thread" they share. Discover the unique show format where designers create collections inspired by different cancer awareness colors, and learn how the event aims to drive much-needed education and awareness for various cancers.

The conversation offers a deep, transparent look into finding strength and victory in the face of profound loss. Nichole opens up about how her deep faith, a supernatural strength, and her mother’s legacy of worship carried her through a year of depression. She and Jaquell, who shares her own recent experience with grief, stress the vital importance of releasing trauma, speaking life, and choosing to walk in the purpose that emerges from pain. 

This episode is a call to obedience, worship, and action, encouraging listeners to turn their sorrow into advocacy and to invest in their own health and knowledge. 

The Common Threads for Cancer Awareness fashion show is scheduled for November 9, 2025, at The Clyburn (2202 West Clybourn) in Milwaukee.
For tickets and information, follow Nichole's event on
Instagram (@CommonThreads4Cancer), 
Facebook, or
email [email protected].

Host Jaquel welcomes her guest and best friend, Miss Akira Westlake, for a deep dive into the intersection of mental health, grieving, and the homeless population. This episode shifts the focus from anger to the often-unaddressed emotion of guilt within the grieving process. What You'll Hear: Meet Akira Westlake: Hear from an amazing woman, entrepreneur, and mentor who has dedicated nearly twenty years to working with the homeless community, especially in Milwaukee County. She shares what drew her to this work, starting with her childhood experiences. Mental Health as the Barrier: The conversation highlights that the biggest challenge in housing the homeless is often mental health, as many individuals are hopeless or lack the belief that they can successfully transition to housing. The Struggle with Isolation: Jaquel and Akira discuss the heartbreaking reality of separating individuals from their "chosen family" and the community they built on the streets, which often leads to relapse into homelessness. Grief in Homelessness: The hosts argue that society often excludes the homeless from grieving. They explore the concept that being housed may not feel "normal" for those who have created a life on the streets, leading them to sleep on floors or never truly settle into their new homes. Jaquel's Truth: In a moment of raw transparency, Jaquel shares her personal experience with being technically homeless while leaving a domestic violence situation and struggling with depression. She opens up about the pride and manipulation she used to hide the fact that she and her child had no place to sleep. Encouragement for Direct Service Workers: Akira closes Part 1 with a powerful message for those working in direct service housing, urging them to prioritize their own well-being and not let the work overwhelm them. We're all one paycheck away. Don't miss this powerful first half of a necessary conversation! Stay tuned for Part 2!

How do you move forward when the past still feels like today? In this episode of the "Working Out With Wanda Podcast," host Jaquell Bates and her producer discuss the lasting impact of 9/11. They talk about how the tragic events of that day brought a massive wave of grief across America, affecting the entire nation. Jacquel emphasizes that while for the younger generation, 9/11 is a historical event, many people who lived through it are still grappling with the fear and loss they experienced.

The episode delves into the various forms of loss that occurred, including the loss of loved ones, jobs, and a sense of security. Jaquell highlights the struggles of those still "stuck" in a phase of grief, unable to recover from what they lost. She also shares her own memories of that day as a college student, recalling the fear and confusion as the events unfolded. Jaquell poses the question of how to move forward when grief has no "expiration date". She points out that many people are still living with fear, experiencing forms of PTSD, and dealing with health issues from their time as volunteers. 

The episode encourages listeners to be more empathetic and understanding toward people who are still struggling, reminding them that everyone's grieving process is unique and individual. Jaquell concludes by looking ahead to a future episode with a special guest who will discuss how mental health affects grief and the homeless population.