In this episode of Critical Reads, we will be discussing The Unapologetic Guide to Black Mental Health: Navigate an Unequal System, Learn Tools for Emotional Wellness, and Get the Help You Deserve by Rheeda Walker, PhD. Here’s a brief summary of the book courtesy of the author/publisher: "An unapologetic exploration of the Black mental health crisis - and a comprehensive road map to getting the care you deserve in an unequal system. We can’t deny it any longer: there is a Black mental health crisis in our world today. Black people die at disproportionately high rates due to chronic illness, suffer from poverty, undereducation, and the effects of racism. This book is an exploration of Black mental health in today’s world, the forces that have undermined mental health progress for African Americans, and what needs to happen for African Americans to heal psychological distress, find community, and undo years of stigma and marginalization in order to access effective mental health care."

In part two of our Modern Love episodes, we will be discussing an episode entitled, Take Me as I Am, Whoever I Am, from season one of Modern Love (Anthology TV Series) directed and produced by John Carney. Here’s a brief summary of the book courtesy of the producers: "An unlikely friendship. A lost love resurfaced. A marriage at its turning point. A date that might not have been a date. An unconventional new family. These are unique stories about the joys and tribulations of love, each inspired by a real-life personal essay from the beloved New York Times column "Modern Love." It is directed by John Carney, Sharon Hogan, Emmy Rossum, and Tom Hall."

In part one of our Modern Love episodes, we will be discussing an episode entitled, Take Me as I Am, Whoever I Am, from season one of Modern Love (Anthology TV Series) directed and produced by John Carney. Here’s a brief summary of the book courtesy of the producers: "An unlikely friendship. A lost love resurfaced. A marriage at its turning point. A date that might not have been a date. An unconventional new family. These are unique stories about the joys and tribulations of love, each inspired by a real-life personal essay from the beloved New York Times column "Modern Love." It is directed by John Carney, Sharon Hogan, Emmy Rossum, and Tom Hall."

In this episode of Critical Reads, we will discuss The Road Back to You: An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile. Here’s a brief summary of the book courtesy of the author/publisher: "Ignorance is bliss―except in self-awareness. What you don't know about yourself can hurt you and your relationships―and even keep you in the shallows with God. Do you want help figuring out who you are and why you're stuck in the same ruts? The Enneagram is an ancient personality typing system with an uncanny accuracy in describing how human beings are wired, both positively and negatively. In The Road Back to You Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile forge a unique approach―a practical, comprehensive way of accessing Enneagram wisdom and exploring its connections with Christian spirituality for a deeper knowledge of ourselves, compassion for others, and love for God."

In this episode of Critical Reads, we will be discussing Are u ok?: A Guide to Caring for Your Mental Health by Kati Morton LMFT. Here’s a brief summary of the book courtesy of the author/publisher: "Everyone struggles with mental health issues from time to time, but the greatest level of misunderstanding comes from knowing the difference between mental health and mental illness, figuring out whether we need professional help and, if so, how to find it. Are u ok? walks readers through the most commonly asked questions about mental health and the process of getting help. From finding the best therapist to navigating harmful and toxic relationships and everything in between, licensed family therapist and YouTube sensation Kati Morton clarifies and de-stigmatizes the struggles so many of us go through and encourages readers to reach out for help."

In this bonus episode of Critical Reads, I wanted to take some time to provide you all with more updates about my life. I know I tried to relaunch the podcast last year and that was an EPIC FAIL. This episode is the start of "Take Two." Like the last time, I figured it would be nice to let you know what is happening behind the scenes before sharing new episodes again. I really hope you enjoy this listen!

In this bonus episode of Critical Reads, I wanted to take some time to provide you all with a few updates about my life. I will answer questions including: Where have you been? How are you doing emotionally and spiritually? Where are you at in your career? What are you wrestling with? Since I haven’t been able to post content in a while, I figured it would be nice to let you know what is going on behind the scenes before launching this podcast again. I really hope you enjoy this listen!

In this episode of Critical Reads, we will be discussing Bipolar Faith: A Black Woman's Journey with Depression and Faith by Rev Dr. Monica A. Coleman. This week's "Musings of Tired Black Social Worker" segment topic is #restinpiss, Rush Limbaugh, Kevin Samuels, and the legacies we leave behind.

In this episode of Critical Reads, we will be discussing the Musical Drama Film, Rent, directed and produced by Chris Columbus. This week's "Musings of Tired Black Social Worker" segment topic is the activist to white spouse pipeline (thoughts on interracial dating).

In part two of our Stamped From the Beginning episode, I continue my discussion about Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America by Ibram X. Kendi.