Silence The Shame podcast

In this episode, Tasnim Sulaiman, LPC and Founder/CEO of Black Men Heal, discusses why she started a mental health nonprofit centered on healing black men and breaking the cycle in black men’s mental health. We also discuss the importance of Silence the Shame’s new campaign, “Healing the Spaces Between Us” and also how black men are taking control of their mental health by seeking therapy and support through community. During this episode, you hear key themes surrounding: 1. Understanding the impact of childhood experiences and grief is essential for personal growth and relationship-building. This awareness can lead to transformative healing and improve interactions across generations. 2. Collective healing is crucial for building community bonds and mutual support. Sharing experiences can alleviate feelings of isolation and strengthen resilience among individuals. 3. Men, particularly black men, are significantly influenced by their peers in discussing mental health. Encouraging open conversations can foster emotional expression and reduce stigma around seeking help. If you, or someone you know, is struggling with their mental health, call or text 9-8-8 to connect with someone who can help! Special thanks to our funders, The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities. Produced by @SpellzProductionsLLC ​

In partnership with NFL Players Association (NFLPA), we sit down with American Professional Football Cornerback, Antonio Hamilton Sr., as he offers some valuable insights into the personal journey of a small town legend to a determined but assertive NFL player. Hamilton talks about leading through adversity, fostering a culture of excellence, and rising to challenges on and off the field. He discussed his transition from professional sports to facing personal hardships, highlighting the importance of resilience and adaptability through it all. Through his role as husband, father, family man and teammate his journey from surviving to thriving emphasizes the temporal nature of challenges and the importance of hard work and dedication. He notes that he wasn’t always the best in talent but you could not beat in work ethic and that alone has kept the door open for many new opportunities. After a non-related football injury “freak accident” he spoke on how he turned heavily into his faith, therapy and meditation for healing. He discussed the importance of belonging and having meaningful relationships with supportive people, “a village, "that helped him through this and made sure he was taking care of himself. If you, or someone you know, is struggling with their mental health, call or text 9-8-8 to connect with someone who can help! Special thanks to our funders, NFL Players Association (NFLPA)! Produced by @SpellzProductionsLLC

In partnership with NFL Players Association (NFLPA), we sit down with Carmen Greenard Vernum, Mother of Minnesota Viking’s player Jonathan Greenard, and Tiara Hamilton, Spouse of Atlanta Falcon’s player Antonio Hamilton, discussing the challenges of family dynamics in a constantly changing environment. They share insights on maintaining routines, the importance of self-care, and the need for community support. The conversation emphasizes resilience, mental health, and the significance of setting boundaries while navigating family dynamics in the NFL. During this episode, you hear key themes surrounding: 1. Family dynamics can change significantly when children grow up and start their own families. Adjustments are necessary for maintaining relationships and traditions during holiday celebrations. 2. Setting boundaries with family and friends is essential for maintaining personal peace. Clear communication about availability and expectations helps prevent misunderstandings. 3. Encouraging perseverance in the face of challenges is vital for growth. Taking time for self-care is essential to support oneself and others during demanding times. If you, or someone you know, is struggling with their mental health, call or text 9-8-8 to connect with someone who can help! Special thanks to our funders, NFL Players Association (NFLPA)! Produced by @SpellzProductionsLLC

In partnership with NFL Players Association (NFLPA), we sit down with former NFL player, Evan "EO" Oglesby, as he shares his journey from a small-town upbringing to a six-year NFL career, emphasizing the importance of resilience and mental health. He discusses overcoming challenges, the impact of mentorship, and his commitment to helping youth through his foundation, promoting education and opportunities beyond sports. During this episode, you hear key themes surrounding: 1. Building resilience and a strong work ethic is essential for achieving success. This mindset not only applies in academics and sports but also shapes one's overall life goals. 2. Navigating wellness away from home can be challenging, especially when young adults face peer pressure in college. Establishing personal boundaries and maintaining focus is crucial for personal growth and success. 3. Having ambition is crucial for overcoming challenges and achieving goals. It serves as a protective barrier, guiding individuals to make better decisions and stay on track despite peer pressure. Check out more about Evan "EO" Oglesby and his foundation by visiting www.evanoglesbyfoundation.org. If you, or someone you know, is struggling with their mental health, call or text 9-8-8 to connect with someone who can help! Special thanks to our funders, NFL Players Association (NFLPA)! Produced by @SpellzProductionsLLC

In this episode, we sit down with Tondra Harris, a mom who shares her experiences raising two daughters, navigating their mental health challenges, and the importance of open communication. Tondra emphasizes the need for unconditional love, emotional vulnerability, and active listening in parenting, while advocating for mental health education in schools. During this episode, you hear key themes surrounding: 1. Navigating the complexities of parenting in a different generation presents unique challenges, especially when addressing mental health concerns in children. Understanding generational differences is crucial for effective communication and support. 2. Parenting requires adapting to each child's unique needs and experiences, as no two children are alike. This approach helps in breaking the cycle of mental health challenges and promotes better futures. 3. Setting boundaries as a parent is crucial for maintaining respect and communication within the family. It helps children express themselves while allowing parents to retain authority when necessary. If you, or someone you know, is struggling with their mental health, call or text 9-8-8 to connect with someone who can help! Special thanks to our funders, The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, and to our partners, Orange Room Radio at The Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs. Produced by Spellz Productions

In this episode, we sit down with Joya Hicks, a mom who emphasizes the importance of self-care, community support, and open dialogue in parenting. She shares her experiences with Jack and Jill of America, focusing on empowering youth through conversations about mental health and cultural diversity while encouraging parents to model vulnerability and grace. During this episode, you hear key themes surrounding: 1. Resilience is essential for overcoming challenges and maintaining mental health. It involves understanding the root causes of trauma and developing coping strategies to navigate difficult situations. 2. Exposing children to diverse experiences fosters appreciation and growth. These opportunities teach them valuable life lessons and encourage them to think beyond their immediate surroundings. 3. Openness to vulnerability is crucial in life, as it allows individuals to learn from mistakes and grow. Embracing imperfections fosters a supportive environment for personal development and connection. If you, or someone you know, is struggling with their mental health, call or text 9-8-8 to connect with someone who can help! Special thanks to our funders, The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, and to our partners, Orange Room Radio at The Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs. Produced by Spellz Productions

In this special episode celebrating World Mental Health Day (October 10), we sit down with 2024's Miss Peachtree City and Podcast Host of The Angelic Life, Angelica Resto. Angelica shares her journey from childhood trauma to becoming a mental health advocate. This empowering conversation emphasizes the importance of seeking help, creating safe spaces for conversations about mental health, and the need for broader community support. During this episode, you hear key themes surrounding: 1. Mental health should always be prioritized over financial gain, as no job is worth sacrificing one's well-being. It's essential to recognize the value of mental health and seek healing when needed. 2. Addressing mental health requires courage and support, especially when facing stigma or fear of backlash. It's essential to seek help and embrace radical self-love regardless of others' opinions. 3. Emphasizing the importance of giving oneself grace is essential for personal growth and mental health. Taking baby steps can lead to significant progress over time, fostering resilience. Check out more about Angelica Resto and her work by visiting www.theangeliclife.com. Special Thanks to our funders, The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD). Produced by Spellz Productions

In partnership with NFL Players Association (NFLPA), we sit down with former NFL player, Rennie Curran, to highlight the importance of mental health, especially among athletes, emphasizing the need to break stigmas and normalize conversations around emotional well-being. Rennie Curran shares his journey from NFL player to mental health advocate, stressing the significance of personal development, therapy, and community support in overcoming challenges and fostering resilience. During this episode, you hear key themes surrounding: 1. Seeking help from professionals, such as therapists, can uncover blind spots in emotional awareness. This support can facilitate a deeper understanding of oneself and enhance mental health. 2. Understanding personal triggers is crucial for emotional healing and proactive behavior. Recognizing past trauma allows individuals to break free from harmful cycles and improve relationships. 3. Sharing personal challenges can help others realize they are not alone in their struggles. It's important to remind individuals that resilience and perseverance can lead to better outcomes in life. Check out more about Rennie Curran and his inspiring work by visiting www.renniecurran.com. You can also learn more about the Game Changers Foundation and the amazing work they continue to do in the community at www.gamechangersfoundationga.org Special Thanks to our funders, NFLPA, and to our partners, Orange Room Radio at The Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs. Produced by Spellz Productions

In partnership with NFL Players Association (NFLPA), we sit down with former NFL player, Brandon Chubb, to discuss the concept of redefining mental wellness and the importance of addressing mental health in vulnerable communities. We discuss how "mental toughness" isn't about the lack of vulnerability but rather doing the things that will support your overall mental health. During this episode, you hear key themes surrounding: 1. Maintaining a support system that sees you as a human and not just for what you can produce for the world. 2. Destigmatizing mental health so you can ask for help when needed and not hide behind a smile. 3. Creating opportunities for everyone to access wellness, even if it's just for 30-minutes in a day. Check out more about Brandon's restorative wellness studio, Do Not Disturb, located at Ponce City Market in Atlanta, GA, by visiting www.donotdisturbatl.com. You can also learn more about The Chubb Foundation and the amazing work they continue to do in the community at www.chubbfoundation.com. Special Thanks to our funders, NFLPA, and to our partners, Orange Room Radio at The Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs. Produced by Spellz Productions

On this week's episode of The Silence the Shame Podcast, our host, L.ife, sits down with Emma Lee M.C., Hip-Hop Creative that uses her lived experience and platform to destigmatize suicide within families, communities, and the culture. Hip-hop and artists have long been addressing mental health challenges and suicide in their lyrics, serving as a reminder that these issues affect individuals from all walks of life. Through their music, these artists have helped to spark important conversations and raise awareness about the importance of mental health. Some noteworthy “gems” from this episode: 1. Self-care is a continuous learning process, evolving as life throws different challenges our way. 2. Developing a wake-up routine helps to transition into each day with a fresh perspective and the tools necessary to tackle whatever lies ahead. It is through self-care practices and open dialogue that we can work towards a more understanding and supportive society for those struggling with mental health issues. If you or you know someone experiencing a mental health crisis, please dial 9-8-8 to connect with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or text “SILENCE” to 707070. Video and Audio Production by Spellz Productions.