Show notes
What if the thing that broke you becomes the very thing you build with?This podcast started from a promise—to my mother, to my daughter, and to every young mom still fighting to be seen.I’m Deyona Kirk, founder of Divine Konnections and host of Divine Konversations. This episode is s story about pain, purpose, and why this work is so personal. I had my first child at 12. I’ve been through foster care, homelessness, and addiction. I know what it’s like to be counted out. And I also know what it’s like to come back stronger—and bring others with you.This show was born out of everything we’ve lived and everything we’re still learning. You’ll hear from me, from my daughter Tatianna, and from our teammate Tatiana Bergum, as we open up about why Divine Konnections exists, how we got here, and where this podcast will take us.These conversations are not easy—but they’re necessary.🔑 Key Themes + TakeawaysThe roots of Divine Konnections and how it grew from a personal calling to a community movementThe challenges of opening a culturally specific house for young BIPOC moms in DuluthWhat we weren’t prepared for: the mental health crisis, the systems failing our families, and how COVID changed everythingWhy this podcast is a tool—for families, for advocates, for systems that need changeA sneak peek at the powerhouse voices coming in future episodesOur Favorite Quotes“I had a baby at 12. I had that experience. But I was still able to make it out—and it became my responsibility to go back and help someone else.”“We thought we were ready. We weren’t ready. What these moms are carrying? It’s layers and layers of trauma.”“People ask why we serve BIPOC moms. Because those are the ones falling through the cracks. Because representation matters.”“This podcast is for the families—but it’s also for the systems that say they care. Let’s have the real conversation.”Chapter Markers00:00 Welcome to Divine Konversations00:56 Deyona shares her story—and her why04:07 Meet Tatianna Kirk and Tatiana Burgum08:00 From Texas to Duluth: How the house got started10:20 The realities we weren’t prepared for13:57 Why Black and disabled mothers are losing their children16:48 What we’re doing—and who we’re bringing in20:06 Stories from school, policy, and parenting22:15 What to expect from this podcastYour TurnThis week’s reflection:Where in your life are you being called to turn pain into purpose?Maybe it’s something you’ve survived, something you’ve witnessed, or something you’re just now finding the courage to speak out about. Journal on what it would look like to be part of someone else’s healing.🙌 Stay Connected + Keep the Conversation GoingWebsite: https://www.divinekonnections.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/divinekonnectionsinc/Follow Deyona on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divine_konnections_inc/ 💬 Love what you heard?Share this episode with a friend, and leave a 5-star review on Apple or Spotify to help this show reach more hearts and homes.✨ This is more than a podcast—it’s a movement. Thank you for being part of it.