Unapologetically Black Unicorns artwork

Unapologetically Black Unicorns

123 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 days ago - ★★★★★ - 24 ratings

Have you ever chatted with an Unapologetically Black Unicorn? Someone who symbolizes freedom, power, strength and is a true force of nature and thought, ‘WOW people need to hear this’? Now you can and learn how to be a U.B.U. too! Join the weekly conversation with host Keris Jän Myrick, an unapologetically black unicorn in their own right, and nationally recognized mental health advocate chatting with amazing U.B.U. folk who are advancing all things mental health, racial justice, and anything cool to enhance human existence.

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Episodes

“Housing First is All About People” with Sam Tsemberis

March 26, 2024 18:00 - 33 minutes - 76.7 MB

Sam Tsemberis (he/him) is a community psychology practitioner, the Founder/CEO of the Pathways Housing First Institute and he is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Dr. Tsemberis shares how Housing First got started and why it’s a person-centered program. They talk about the decimation of our public housing system, the questions to ask if you’re entering a housing program and steps for advocates to encourage more housing first models. For more information on Pathways Housing First: https://w...

“Priced Out: The Affordable Housing Crisis for People with Disabilities” with Kevin Martone and Lisa Sloane

March 19, 2024 19:16 - 38 minutes - 87.9 MB

Kevin Martone (he/him) is the Executive Director at the Technical Assistance Collaborative (TAC) and Lisa Sloane (she/her) is the Director at the Technical Assistance Collaborative (TAC) and they are Unapologetically Black Unicorns. Kevin and Lisa give us the overview of their “Priced Out” Report and they give details on the Affordable Housing Crisis for People with Disabilities. They talk about open vs. locked units, the Section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities and ways ...

“Divorcing Danger from Mental Health” with Asantewaa Boykins

March 12, 2024 17:43 - 31 minutes - 57.4 MB

Asantewaa Boykin (she/hers) R.N MICN, is an Emergency RN and the co-founder of APTP (Anti Police - Terror Project), helped developed Mental Health First and she is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Asantewaa speaks on why we should minimize police contact with those who are in the midst of a mental health crisis and working on divorcing danger from Mental Health. They talk about how to contact Mental Health First, the concerns that we are creating a “crisis system industrial complex”, menta...

“Creating a Society of Radical Inclusion” with Dr. Ruth Shim

March 05, 2024 18:52 - 35 minutes - 65.8 MB

Dr. Ruth Shim (she/her) M.D., M.P.H., is an Associate Dean of Diverse and Inclusive Education, the Director of Cultural Psychiatry, an Author and an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Dr. Shim shares how she got interested in psychiatry and the stigma of psychiatrists within the profession of medicine. They talk about social determinants of mental health and race equity, creating inclusive spaces, cultural competency, and the concept for her new published book “Social (In)Justice and Mental Hea...

“Separate your Purpose from the Platform” with Dr. Tonicia Freeman-Foster

February 27, 2024 17:58 - 34 minutes - 78.8 MB

Dr. Tonicia Freeman-Foster (she/her) is an expert and thought leader in the leadership and DEI space, an author and she is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Dr. Freeman-Foster speaks on the power of leadership and how to facilitate effective and healthy leadership that inspires others. They talk about finding those areas where you can be your authentic self, creating a human-centered approach and separating your purpose from your job. Website: www.leidoswel.com Order Book: www.navigatingr...

“Letting Go in Order to Grow”

February 20, 2024 18:44 - 12 minutes - 29.1 MB

Keris goes solo to take some time out to thank her family. Keris shares a personal story about when she was involuntary hospitalized that caused her to move to the east coast with her parents. She reflects on the emotional goodbye when she moved back to the west coast and how her parents needed to let go in order for Keris to grow. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

“Conservatorship” with Alex Barnard

February 13, 2024 18:57 - 36 minutes - 84.3 MB

Alex Barnard (he/him) is a sociologist and an Assistant Professor of Sociology at New York University and he is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Alex is a part of a project looking at all the bills that reference involuntary treatment, forced medications, civil commitment, guardianship and conservatorship. They talk about getting to why people are refusing services and how listening to that person’s “why” is one of the best ways to understand them plus a look at some important local bills ...

“Activate Hope”

February 06, 2024 18:57 - 8 minutes - 18.4 MB

Keris shares how she’s feeling during this African American History Month and how she’s looking for change. She talks about finding those bright lights in your life, what makes her happy when she’s feeling disheartened and enacting and activating hope. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

“Cultural Silence and Wounded Souls: Black Men Speak about Mental Health” with Mark Tuggle

January 30, 2024 17:31 - 34 minutes - 78.2 MB

Mark Tuggle (He/Him) is the author and editor of “Cultural Silence and Wounded Souls: Black Men Speak about Mental Health” and he is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Mark explains the process of getting a book published and why he wrote the book about mental health. They talk about the focus on the mental health of Black men and the common themes of the stories that were shared in the book.  For more information on the book “Cultural Silence and Wounded Souls: Black Men Speak about Mental...

“Listen to the Children” with Marion Costentin

January 23, 2024 18:48 - 28 minutes - 66.4 MB

Marion Costentin (she/her) is an artist and illustrator, and she is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Marion shares how she wants her artwork on her Oracle and Tarot cards to be used to explore your emotions and how her cards have been used for a purpose by therapists. They talk about classifying emotions as full spectrum, openly talking about your mental health journey and how Marion consults with her community during her artistic process. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: ...

“Enjoying the Message as it’s Received” with Dr. Ikwunga Wonodi

January 16, 2024 18:35 - 31 minutes - 71.3 MB

Rest in Peace and Power: this episode is a replay of UBU#75 to honor and remember our time in Unapologetically Black Unicorns with Dr Ikwunga Wonodi.   https://www.forevermissed.com/ikwunga-okogbule-wonodi/about   Dr. Ikwunga Wonodi (he/him) is a psychiatrist, an Afrobeat Poet and he is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Dr. Wonodi talked about what afrobeat poetry represents and his personal journey in becoming an afrobeat poet. They talk about pidgin, how afrobeats has been used as a v...

“You Are Far from Insignificant” with Nicole Kwan

January 09, 2024 19:00 - 33 minutes - 30.3 MB

Nicole Kwan (she/her) is a mental health advocate and she is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Nicole talks about how mental health was stigmatized in her own culture and how she found people to talk to and support her. They talk about the focus on immigrant mental health, getting more young people to the table and the importance of compassion, kindness and empathy. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

“The Fool’s Journey”

January 02, 2024 18:43 - 11 minutes - 26.8 MB

Keris recaps 2023 by sharing her spontaneous trip she made on a train and what she did this new years. Keris was inspired by a tarot card of “the fool’s journey” and how the wise fool is about embracing new beginnings, expanding your horizons and the willingness to take risks. She talks about how she realized she could control how she wanted ring in the new year and she also wants you to know that if you’re feeling lonely during this time that you’re not alone. The National Suicide Preventi...

“Magical Black Santa”

December 26, 2023 19:14 - 9 minutes - 20.7 MB

Keris recorded this podcast on Christmas and shares a Christmas memory from her childhood. She shares the struggles people have during the holiday season and the magic of a picture she saw of a Black Santa when she was young. Keris remembers the sacrifices her dad made and she wants you to know that it gets better.   The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

A Tour of Unapologetically Black Unicorns

December 12, 2023 19:02 - 10 minutes - 24.9 MB

Keris takes you on a tour of the podcast. You can access Unapologetically Black Unicorns wherever you get your podcasts and you can also view separate playlists of the podcast on YouTube. Keris shares what each playlist is about, access to discussion guides and suggesting ways in which to use the podcast. For all information on the UBU podcast visit https://linktr.ee/UnapologeticallyBlackUnicorns The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

“Behavior is a Language” with Gaby Arriaga

November 21, 2023 18:48 - 38 minutes - 88.6 MB

Gaby Arriaga (she/ her) is a passionate advocate for kids and she is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Gaby shares how she got involved in the field of social work and how she leads with kindness and being genuine They talk about having empathy for kids and their situations, supporting struggling families, the issues with kids getting pushed out of school systems and Gaby’s vision for a new nonprofit. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

“Crisis Through a Lens of Grief” with Nze Okoronta

November 14, 2023 18:31 - 35 minutes - 80.2 MB

Nze Okoronta (they/them) is the Peer Services Program Director for SOAR Case Management Services overseeing Solstice House Peer Run Respite and Peer Run Warmline and they are an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Nze shares their mental health journey and how they are working with the same Warmline they called while in crisis. They talk about their experiences with peer respites, not using anything carceral in the program and dealing with crisis through a lens of grief. The National Suicide Pr...

“Getting Mental Health Right for All” with Dr. Ben Miller

November 07, 2023 18:54 - 38 minutes - 89 MB

Dr. Ben Miller, PsyD (he/him) returns, he is a fighter of fragmentation, mental health marginalization, a champion of community-based change and an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. They discuss Dr. Miller’s blog entitled “Getting mental health right for all” and they break down the issues about involuntary commitment. They talk about moving beyond belief-based policy, asking why we have separate mental health systems and finding the overlap of mental health in everything. “Getting mental hea...

UBU LIVE with Inseparable: Angela Kimball and Pooja Mehta

October 31, 2023 17:33 - 37 minutes - 85.4 MB

Keris is joined live by Angela Kimball (she/her) the Senior Vice President of Advocacy & Public Policy at Inseparable and Pooja Mehta (she/her) Senior Associate of Activist Engagement at Inseparable and they are Unapologetically Black Unicorns.  This was recorded live during the Stopping the Stigma Summit to address mental health for children, youth and families. They have a conversation about the intersection of mental health stigma and policy and how people can become motivators, innovator...

“I’ll Hold The Hope For You”

October 24, 2023 17:32 - 13 minutes - 31.8 MB

Keris was the recipient of the Jim Preis Memorial Award at the annual event for the Mental Health Advocacy Services and she shares her experiences from the event. She talks about the honor of receiving the award and she was able the invite some important people that touched her life. Keris shares how it takes a village, being an example that recovery is possible and the impact of having someone to hold the hope for you. Mental Health Advocacy Services 2023 Annual Celebration: https://www.mh...

“The Well-Being Model for Young Black Adults” with Crystal L. Brandow, Hakim Asadi & Lawrence Hines

October 17, 2023 17:52 - 35 minutes - 80.2 MB

Crystal L. Brandow, PhD (she/hers) is the Senior Consultant for Program Development for the Clear Pathways Initiative, Hakim Asadi, LMSW (he/him) is the founder of Beyond Living and Lawrence Hines (he/him) is a Marketing and Branding Consultant and a Mental Health Advocate and they are all Unapologetically Black Unicorns. They share why they developed this well-being model for Black people created by Black people. They talk about the nine domains for the well-being model, taking inventory on...

“Tootle’s Theory” with Stancil Tootle

October 10, 2023 17:55 - 30 minutes - 69.6 MB

Stancil Tootle (he/him) is a blind Black man from rural Georgia, in long term recovery who has been a life-long advocate, and he is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Tootle shares how his family and his road to recovery both influenced his advocacy. They talk about the recovery movement and the intersection of disability, encouraging everyone with a disability to vote and being more accessible. Visit Third Eye Radio Network: https://www.thirdeyeradionetwork.com/ The National Suicide Preve...

The Tower Card

October 03, 2023 18:16 - 13 minutes - 30.9 MB

Keris goes solo to reflect on some personal meaning behind the artwork of a few Tarot cards. There was one card in particular that resonated with her, the Tower card, and she draws the parallels between the card and her personal experiences. She talks about the old LA county general hospital, being involuntarily hospitalized and she ties it all together by sharing when she had her Tower Card moment. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

“Lifting Up the Tough Stuff” with Dan Gorenstein

September 26, 2023 17:48 - 36 minutes - 84.4 MB

Dan Gorenstein (he/him) is the Founder and Executive Editor of the health policy podcast “Tradeoffs” and he is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Dan shares his beginnings as a journalist and how he moved on to storytelling in podcasts and creating a non-profit media company. They talk about the policy tradeoffs, how their podcasts differ but how they both strive to lift up the tough issues and give a voice to those who need to be heard. To learn more about Dan Gorenstein’s “Tradeoffs” visi...

Is A Rose Just A Rose?

September 19, 2023 17:55 - 10 minutes - 24 MB

Keris goes solo to share a story surrounding a rose and her recovery for National Recovery Month. Walking around Pasadena Keris came upon a rose and a voice told her to stop and smell the roses, why was this rose special and is a rose just a rose? Also, what’s your rose? The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

“Recovery is Possible” with Philip Rutherford

September 12, 2023 20:03 - 36 minutes - 83.7 MB

Philip Rutherford (he/him) is the Chief Operating Officer at Faces and Voices of Recovery and an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Phil shares what his organization is doing for Recovery Month and his story of navigating his pathway to recovery. They talk about how the “War on Drugs” was racially motivated, the experience of Black folks in the recovery community through a new initiative Black Faces and Black Voices and why it is hard for the Black communities to publicly grieve. If you or som...

“Creative Maladjustment”

August 29, 2023 17:23 - 12 minutes - 28.7 MB

Keris reflects on the 60th anniversary on the March on Washington. The March on Washington was an integral part of the Civil Rights Movement, and Keris focuses on how it brought everyone together for such important causes as jobs and freedom. Keris’ dad reads a section from Martin Luther King’s speech “Creative Maladjustment” and Keris gives some important background and context for that speech and it ends with a clip of her dad reading that portion of the MLK speech.   The National Suici...

“Lived Experience is Expertise” with Damon Watson

August 22, 2023 17:51 - 33 minutes - 75.7 MB

Damon Watson (He/Him/His) is the Program Director of the Fellowship Initiative, Vibrant Emotional Health and he is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Damon emphasizes seeing Black and Brown boys for who they and the importance of just existing. They talk about listening to the voices of our younger people, the power of mentorship and some success stories from The Fellowship Initiative program. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

988 and Crisis System Reform at NCSL

August 15, 2023 17:24 - 13 minutes - 31.3 MB

This podcast has selected clips from the 988 & Crisis Reform Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUdw451JL3w&list=PLxolYqklWoEND-6LQRnqJXi4mG5k_8HLx Unapologetically Black Unicorns podcast is at the National Council of State Legislators 2023 Summit ! Thanks Inseparable for using our 988 and crisis system reform playlist to help our legislators, staffers and attendees learn more about 988 Lifeline.    You find more information about inseparable here: https://www.inseparable.us/get-...

“Learning to Laugh on your Own” with Arkayla Tenney Howard

August 08, 2023 17:51 - 34 minutes - 80 MB

Arkayla Tenney Howard (she/her) is the owner of Wildflower Communications and she is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Arkayla shares her impact in strategic communications to address systemic oppression and her transition to a new job. They talk about fighting against imposter syndrome, the importance of external validation and asking questions in job interviews. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

“Black Lives Matter: Crisis and Black Mental Health” with Taun Hall

August 01, 2023 18:00 - 34 minutes - 78.1 MB

Taun Hall (she/her) is the Executive Director of the Miles Hall Foundation. Taun shares the heart-breaking story of her son Miles who was killed by the police and how it’s led to her advocacy work. They talk AB 988 – “The Miles Hall Lifeline Act,” doing the prevention work in our Black communities and taking care of your self-care. Mental Illness Is Not A Crime: The Miles Hall Foundation: https://www.themileshallfoundation.org/   For more episodes like this one regarding 988 visit our UBU...

“The Trauma and Celebration through Hair” with Kelechi Ubozoh

July 25, 2023 17:55 - 36 minutes - 83.3 MB

Kelechi Ubozoh (she/her) is a peer supporter, a Black Liberatory Coach, co-editor of “We've Been Too Patient: Voices from Radical Mental Health,” a contributor to the anthology “Trauma, Tresses, and Truth: Untangling Our Hair Through Personal Narratives” and she is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Keris and Kelechi reflect on why they decided to rethink the nuances of talking about Black hair and when and why they “hair code-switch”. Kelechi reads her chapter in the anthology, how she uses...

“People Who Support People Support Each Other” with Lynnae Brown

July 18, 2023 17:55 - 28 minutes - 64.7 MB

Lynnae Brown (she/her) is the creator of the training “Social Service Survival Guide”, and she is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Lynnae shares her journey in the human service space and how the social service system can disempower its workers. They talk about being the person to help others in social services and the impact of tying your identity with your contributions rather than your job title. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

“If You’re Not at the Table, You’re on the Table” with Laura Evans

July 11, 2023 17:47 - 29 minutes - 67.5 MB

Laura Evans (she/hers) is the Director of Public Policy and Government Affairs at Vibrant Emotional Health and she is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Laura shares how she got involved in policy and some of the color lines she observed in this field. They talk about reading between the lines when breaking down a bill, being strategic with public policy and the focus on climate and climate justice issues. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

“Where There is No Listener, There is No Noise” with Howard A. Myrick

June 27, 2023 17:23 - 38 minutes - 88.6 MB

Howard A. Myrick, PhD (he/him) is an Author, Retired Army Officer and he is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Keris visited her dad to celebrate his birthday and they discuss how their experiences define who we are. They talk about Dr. Myrick’s two new books and why he wrote them, his experiences in the military during a tumultuous time in America and traveling as a Black man with a family and the racism he endured. Surviving Toxic “Isms" and Polarizing Dissent: Protecting Our Democracy by...

“Get In Where You Fit In” with Jalyn Radziminski

June 13, 2023 18:08 - 34 minutes - 79.7 MB

Jalyn Radziminski (they/she) is an activist whose work is dedicated to advocating for voter rights, racial equity, and accessibility for the BIPOC Disability Community and they are an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Jalyn talks about starting the non-profit “Count US IN” and how they are trying to elevate people’s voices and foster inclusive and equitable political participation. They talk about how they are trying to slowly change the culture, celebrating small wins and how they both find t...

“What it Takes: Wisdom from Peer Support Specialists and Supervisors” with Dr. Jonathan Edwards and Rita Cronise

June 06, 2023 18:01 - 33 minutes - 77.2 MB

Dr. Jonathan Edwards (he/him) and Rita Cronise (She/Her) are editors for the book “What it Takes: Wisdom from Peer Support Specialists and Supervisors” and they are Unapologetically Black Unicorns. Jonathan and Rita explain how the book came about and the history of Peer Support. They talk about who the target audience is for the book, why this book is needed and remembering their colleague Steve Harrington. For more information about the book “What it Takes: Wisdom from Peer Support Specia...

“Spirituality and Black Mental Health: Meeting Care and Support Needs in Community” with Rev. Dr. Najuma Smith-Pollard

May 30, 2023 17:51 - 31 minutes - 73.2 MB

Rev. Dr. Najuma Smith-Pollard (she/her) is the Founding Pastor of Word of Encouragement Community Church (WOECC) in Los Angeles, California. Rev. Najuma talks about the marriage of mental health and the faith community. They talk about being a first responder for the church community, empowering the village and going from building to bonding. This episode is sponsored by Janssen Neuroscience and Supported by The Painted Brain, a California based Peer Run Organization. https://paintedbrain....

“Recovery is Real and Recovery is Possible” with Dr. Miriam E. Delphin-Rittmon

May 23, 2023 17:36 - 32 minutes - 73.9 MB

Dr. Miriam E. Delphin-Rittmon, Ph.D. (she/hers) is the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Administrator of SAMHSA and an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Dr. Delphin-Rittmon reflects on her roles before joining SAMHSA and some of her mentors through the course of her career. They talk about mental health promotion and early intervention, the data behind the increase in use of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, equ...

“Oppression Hides in Ambiguity” with Carolina Valle

May 16, 2023 17:48 - 34 minutes - 79.7 MB

Carolina Valle, MSW, (She /Hers) is the Senior Policy Director at the California Pan-Ethnic Health Network and she is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Carolina unpacks the impact of her family history and what inspired her to become a social worker. They talk about the diversity of how communities are defining mental health and wellness, some concerns with the CARE Court framework and fighting stereotypes in the field of policy. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide...

“Providing Humane and Compassionate Care” with Dr. Rupi Legha

May 09, 2023 17:56 - 31 minutes - 72.7 MB

Dr. Rupi Legha (she/hers) is a psychiatrist focused on anti-racism and providing humane and compassionate care and she is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Dr. Legha walks us through her path to becoming a psychiatrist and how she was not convinced by the biomedical approach. They talk about safety concerns in mental health, community-oriented care and working to not problematize a child and their mental health. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeli...

”100 Episode Celebration”

May 02, 2023 17:46 - 9 minutes - 22.6 MB

Keris has done over one hundred episodes of Unapologetically Black Unicorns and she is here to celebrate. She shares what the milestone means to her and she reflects on what she’s learned throughout all these episodes. Keris explains the next steps for the podcast and shout-outs are her guests that have contributed to the show’s success. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline UBU Playlists on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UBUPodcast/playlists  

“Empowering Ourselves for Our Future” with LaVerne Miller, JD

April 11, 2023 17:58 - 30 minutes - 71 MB

LaVerne Miller (she/her) is an attorney with a focus on the employment of people with lived experience and she is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. LaVerne shares her experience starting the first forensic peer specialist training program and how proud she is of its expansion. They talk about the peer workforce movement and the importance of Estate Planning, taking advantage of employee benefits and empowering ourselves for our future. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 S...

“You Are Magical AF”

April 04, 2023 17:25 - 11 minutes - 25.7 MB

Keris goes solo to share a critical email she received and goes on to focus on the common experience of all the negative self-talk that follows. She explains how someone else’s perception can really affect you and ways to try to move past it. Keris talks about how she was able to go to an event with friends to help refocus her energy but how it really comes down to feeling appreciated, feeling a connection and a sense of community plus how your vulnerability is your superpower. The National...

“Black Mental Health: Meeting Intersectional LGBT+ and Cultural Needs in the Community” with Yolo Akili

March 28, 2023 17:47 - 35 minutes - 81.7 MB

Yolo Akili Robinson (he/him/his) is the Executive Director of BEAM (Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective). Yolo explains why we need to give the skills and tools to the community because they are the true caregivers for so many people’s healing and wellness. They talk about the healing justice model, person-centered care and cultivating more community and healing spaces. This episode is sponsored by Janssen Neuroscience and Supported by The Painted Brain, a California based Peer Run...

“Find Your Reason” with Zak Williams

March 21, 2023 18:04 - 34 minutes - 78.9 MB

Zak Williams (he/him) is a Mental Health Advocate, the son of the late actor/comedian Robin Williams and an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Zak shares how mental health advocacy has been a way to manage his process of healing and discovering how service was a path to happiness. They talk about how Zak got started teaching at San Quentin State Prison, his work on lifestyle interventions and being open to opportunities. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis L...

“Doing it From a Place of Love” with Jess Stohlmann Rainey

March 07, 2023 18:23 - 31 minutes - 72.4 MB

Jess Stohlmann Rainey (she/her) is a mad care worker, an instructor in the University of Denver Graduate School of Professional Psychology and she is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Jess shares her points from a piece she wrote about 988 and the importance of informed consent. They talk about Jess’ experience as a death doula, why it’s essential in care work to not only give people options but to also make sure they have access to those options and why the goal of this work is to love peo...

“Be Love” with Dr. Teah Hairston

February 28, 2023 18:28 - 30 minutes - 68.9 MB

Dr. Teah Hairston (she/her) is the founder of Be Love Holistic. Dr. Hairston walks us through her journey including the challenges she encountered after a miscarriage. They talk about recovery for Black women, the need for being with people who have experienced things like you, the impacts of Sister Circles and making room for self-care. This episode is sponsored by Janssen Neuroscience and Supported by The Painted Brain, a California based Peer Run Organization. https://paintedbrain.org/u...

The Lovers Card is You

February 14, 2023 18:31 - 15 minutes - 35.9 MB

Keris goes solo to reflect on some personal meaning behind another Tarot card. She shares why the Lovers card resonates with her and she draws the parallels between the card and her personal experiences. She talks about why she first struggled with the Lovers card even though it is her birth card, she shares an event from her childhood that’s made it hard for her to love herself and honoring you for you – U.B.U.   The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Life...

“Do It Afraid” with Preston Mitchum

February 07, 2023 18:48 - 35 minutes - 81.4 MB

Preston Mitchum (he/him) is the Director of Advocacy and Government Affairs with The Trevor Project and he is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Preston shares what The Trevor Project does as an organization and how they try to reach and support LGBTQ young people. They talk about how Preston always wanted to support people and fight for their access, how The Trevor Project crisis counselors are trained to meet the needs of LGBTQ young people and how everyone has a voice. For more informati...

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