In this powerful and timely episode of Conversations with Drea, I'm joined by Melissa Forde, Director of a family prevention program in NYC and a long-time advocate for mothers and children.Melissa was recently interviewed in the news following the heartbreaking discovery of a premature infant found in a garbage can in Brooklyn-a story that shook our community and raised urgent questions about how mothers fall through the cracks long before crisis occurs.Together we unpack what prevention really looks like on the ground, the barriers Black mothers and mothers of color face when seeking help, and the emotional weigh many women carry in silence.This conversation also marks the introduction of the Rooted Mama Project: Healing the Mother to Heal the Child- a community based healing and parenting program designed to support Black mothers of infants and toddlers before they reach a breaking point.We discuss why this work is so desperately needed, how Rooted Mama fills critical gaps in care, and what becomes possible when mothers are met with compassion instead of judgement.

The Strong Black Woman cape looks good on the outside, but inside it's breaking us down. Chronic stress, high blood pressure, sleepless nights and more. In this episode I'm breaking down the truth about being "strong" , stress and health in my community. Plus a bonus guided meditation!Listen now and share with someone who needs this!#conversationsWithDrea #HealingJourney #StrongBlackWoman

Inside this episode, I answer listener questions so that you can get to know me a bit better. Do you have any questions you'd like me to answer or would you like to be a guest on my show? Let me know!#conversationswithDrea #Podcast #LMSW #AndreaMunroe

Clinician Nick Lear stops by to share his tips on how parents and Therapists can support Queer Youth on their journey of self discovery. #pride #2025 #Ally #QueerYouth

Mother and Community Organizer Ebony Johnson stops by to have a Conversation with Drea about not allowing people, places, or experiences to dim your light, the importance of building up your community and much more!#community #blackwomen #womenofcolor #selfcare

Anngy Grajales stops by to have a Conversation with Drea about what it was like being the daughter of an immigrant mother, who left everything behind in pursuit of the American dream!

This week's guest , Author and Transformational Coach Danny B. stops by to have a Conversation with Drea about how to integrate self-care with Kingdom Principles! A must listen!

Nick Lear, LCAT stops by to have a Conversation with Drea about our immediate reactions after the election, the impact on communities and more!

Crystal Joseph stops by to have a Conversation with Drea about how to overcome emotional eating, so you can be the healthiest version of yourself in the New Year!

Melissa Forde, MSW returns, to continue her Conversation with Drea about self-love and healing. In this episode Drea and Melissa share their reasons for starting their healing journeys. Tears were shed as they opened up about childhood trauma, failed relationships and the loss of loved ones.