Strong Mind, Soft Life with Dr. Topaz

In this episode, Dr. Topaz shifts her focus to the unique intersections to mental health experienced by young, Black boys. Bringing expertise to this conversation is Dr. Kevin M. Simon, MD, MPH, MBA. Dr. Simon is a triple board-certified psychiatrist, addiction medicine specialist, and the inaugural Chief Behavioral Health Officer for the City of Boston. His clinical, research, and public health work focuses on youth mental health, substance use, health equity, and improving care for young people navigating complex systems. Raised in Brooklyn by Haitian parents, Dr. Simon approaches medicine and leadership with a guiding conviction: attention is the first medicine.This is a great back-to-school episode. Parents of Black children know the importance of having ‘talks’ with their children. The topics discussed by Dr. Topaz and Dr. Simon go to the root causes of why these ‘talks’ have become a part of the fabric of Black culture. Dr. Simon explains that at an early again, Black boys’ behaviors are often mischaracterized as they are perceived as older, less innocent, and threatening as compared to White boys. It, therefore, becomes innate to Black boys to adapt to how people perceive them; which often stunts their ability to feel and express joy and innocence, like all children should be able to. As the parents, families, teachers and coaches of young, Black boys, it is incumbent upon us to give them the skills and permission to have strong minds AND soft lives…emphasis on the latter.Let’s establish an interconnected community that is committed to creating strong minds and soft lives, no matter your age! Listening to this podcast is an investment in yourself. And when you are better, we are all better. Join us, Sis, and bring your young brothers with you! *21 Media congratulates Dr. Topaz on her first 21 episodes of Strong Mind, Soft Life!. The number 21 is often associated with creativity, optimism and inspiration. 21 Media thanks Dr. Topaz for her steadfast courage to bring consistent messages of hope and wellness to her audience. Mental health is important to everyone. Period. Dr. Topaz, you are an inspiration to so many. Here’s to the next 21+ episodes!* 

You may not know about Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), but you probably know someone with the disorder. Listen as Dr. Topaz takes a deep dive on this often-misunderstood condition with Saviour Achilike, MD MPH, a board certified neurologist.  He has always seen practicing medicine as a sacred vocation, an extension of his faith, and takes seriously the trust placed on him by families/patients. FND affects how the brain and nervous system work. Those who experience FND often have symptoms that cannot be explained medically. Saviour compares FND to a computer with faulty software. He also brings awareness to the fact that FND comes with a stigma, with many who have the condition accused of faking their symptoms. FND is more commonly diagnosed in women. Don’t be afraid to discuss FND with your medical provider.Let’s establish an interconnected community that is committed to creating strong minds and soft lives, no matter your age! Listening to this podcast is an investment in yourself. And when you are better, we are all better. Join us, Sis!

From a mental health perspective, sometimes a change of environment and pace is just what the doctor ordered. Dr. Topaz recently traveled to Las Vegas, Nevada, and she took the show on the road…literally.  If you follow Dr. Topaz on social media, you probably spotted her recent posts from her adventures at the She’s Got Time Summit (a professional ecosystem for women building careers across sports) and the NBA Summer League. She was ‘walking the talk’, living out loud, and doing things that she really enjoys. Dr. Topaz embodied the advice that she and many of her guests have shared over the past few months. She showed up for herself, and flexed a myriad of WNBA jerseys throughout her trip. (Shout out to Sheryl, her favorite WNBA player, for this recording!)Listen as Dr. Topaz sat in the ‘hot seat’ with Yvonne Harris & Drew Lasker, founders of 21 Media, as they discussed a variety of topics related to the of intersections with mental health and sports.As an added plus, Dr. Topaz was also a guest on the Crossover the Pond podcast, where she talked more about mental health issues impacting performance & athletics. That episode will drop soon. Be sure to check it out. Let’s establish an interconnected community that is committed to creating strong minds and soft lives, no matter your age! Listening to this podcast is an investment in yourself. And when you are better, we are all better. Join us, Sis!

Nowadays, people are living longer. The quality of someone’s life as they enter their geriatric season is a direct result of both their physical and mental health. Dr Topaz recently talked with Dr. Kristin Jones, who is double board certified in adult and geriatric psychiatry.  Dr. Jones underscores the importance of not labeling mental health issues in the elderly as just ‘getting old’. Seniors experience depression and anxiety just like other age groups, but the symptoms may not manifest the same ways that they do for our youth or middle-aged adults. Your children cannot be a litmus for how mental health concerns will show up in your parents. The inability to manage daily functions, and a pronounced lack of interest in activities once enjoyed, Dr. Jones cautions us to view as possible mental health concerns. Depression and anxiety are not a normal part of aging. The topics discussed in this episode will really hit home for those who identify as being a part of the sandwich generation, adults who care for both their children and their parents. Now that we know different, let’s support our elderly differently. Let’s establish an interconnected community that is committed to creating strong minds and soft lives, no matter your age! Listening to this podcast is an investment in yourself. And when you are better, we are all better. Join us, Sisters…and Grandmothers, and Great Aunties too!

Many of us have heard, “You are what you eat.” Guess what… you are!  If you eat better, you will be healtier. On this #TherapyThursday, Dr. Topaz has a powerful conversation with her Spelman College and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Sister, Dr. Andre’a Watkins. “Dr. Andy” is the CEO/Owner and Culinary Psychiatrist for FreedomMind Wellcare and Consulting LLC. She has over a decade of expertise in the field of psychiatry, layered with an innovative, nutritional approach to mental health, gut health, and nervous system regulation to drive lasting transformation. As they delve into the gut-brain connection, their conversation underscores that our bodies are naturally designed to help and to heal us. As we consider how to optimize our mental wellness journey, Dr. Topaz and Dr. Andy remind us of two powerful truths: 1) every journey to optimal mental health is individualized; 2) do not underestimate the power of a tailored nutritional plan in support of your mind.  This episode deserves a double-listen.  Spoiler alert: Sugar is not your friend!Let’s establish an interconnected community that is committed to creating strong minds and soft lives. Listening to this podcast is an investment in yourself. And when you are better, we are all better. Drop the candy bar and join us, Sis! 

On this #TherapyThursday, the Spelman C’2010 love continues as Dr. Topaz has a heartfelt conversation with her former classmate Mia-Rose Dunlap. Mia-Rose is a mindset coach who anchors her support of her clients to her innate passion for education. Listen as she explains in simple terms the distinction between a coach and a therapist. Language matters, and it is extremely relevant as to the type of mental health support you seek. On a topic that so many can relate to, Mia-Rose shares candidly about being the child of parents who struggled with substance abuse and the impact that has had on her mental health, specifically in the area of forgiveness. She reminds us that forgiveness is about us, not the other person. She also shares an energy-shifting tool to bring more forgiveness to yourself, even if the other person does not apologize. Who can you forgive this summer, and in doing so, create more room to live a life of audacity and joy?!? Let’s establish an interconnected community that is committed to creating strong minds and soft lives. Listening to this podcast is an investment in yourself. And when you are better, we are all better. Join us, Sis!   

If you have been listening to Strong Mind, Soft Life with Dr. Topaz, you know she always shows love for the women. Dr. Topaz is intentional about showing lots of love for the men too, and on deck in this episode is Dr. Aldwin Ben Aziz Soumare a 2nd year psychiatry resident at UC Davis. Dr. Soumare is also the author of Tools of Excellence: From Hood to Hooded, A Guide to Becoming the Physician You Dream, which serves as a guide for black men and women from high school and beyond to find the confidence and conviction to achieve their goals. Listen as Dr. Topaz and Dr. Soumare delve into common themes related to Black men and mental health…with the intention of sending an energy to shift the dynamic for real, sustainable change. Just like we need help to strengthen our bodies, it is ok to need help to strengthen our minds. It is ok for Black men to show a full array of emotions. It is ok for Black men to seek health coping mechanisms. It is ok for Black men to share their voices. It is ok for older Black men to prioritize their mental health. It is more than ok for Black men to actually feel great!In the words of Dr. Topaz, “We need our brothers to be well.” Share this episode with a man who holds a place in your heart. It is ok not to be ok. And that is where community can provide the needed uplift.Let’s establish an interconnected community that is committed to creating strong minds and soft lives. Listening to this podcast is an investment in yourself. And when you are better, we are all better. Join us, Sisters…and Brothers too!

If you have been tuning into Strong Mind, Soft Life with Dr. Topaz, you know she always shows love for the women. This month, Dr. Topaz is intentional about showing lots of love for the men too. June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month which is designed to raise awareness, eradicate stigma, and encourage a focus on mental wellness for men. The Spelman College/Morehouse College love runs deeps as Dr. Topaz chats with Michael McClam, MD, FAPA. In addition to his mathematics degree from Morehouse, Michael earned his medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine. Listen as they discuss continuing societal standards the limit the views on what is acceptable in terms mens’ emotional expressions. There is still a common belief that stoicism is strength. It is ok for men to express anger, but not sadness or grief. Dr. McClam advocates for teaching our brothers to understand their emotions and how to use them in ways that are therapeutic and helpful to themselves. In tandem, our entire community must exercise more grace and allow our men to share emotions and not judge them as personality flaws. In the words of Dr. Topaz, “We need our brothers to be well.” Share this episode with a man who holds a special place in your heart. Let’s establish an interconnected community that is committed to creating strong minds and soft lives. Listening to this podcast is an investment in yourself. And when you are better, we are all better. Join us, Sisters…and Brothers too! 

If you have been tuning into Strong Mind, Soft Life with Dr. Topaz, you know she always shows love for the women. This month, Dr. Topaz is intentional about showing lots of love for the men too. June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month which is designed to raise awareness, eradicate stigma, and encourage a focus on mental wellness for men. This week, Dr. Topaz talks with Mychal Riley, LCSW-S. Mychal earned a Master of Social Work and a Bachelor of Science in brain, behavior and cognitive science from the University of Michigan. He completed a postgraduate fellowship with the University of Michigan's Institute for Human Adjustment and a postgraduate fellowship with the Menninger Clinic. Mychal is a proponent of client centered and wellness-based care that focuses on an individual's strengths, motivation and goals. He also enjoys live music, running, cycling, reading, poetry and spoken word, snowboarding, Chicago sports and Michigan sports. (Go Bulls!, Go Wolverines!) The topic of masculinity has been a hot one in the recent discourse. Listen as Dr. Topaz and Mychal share their thoughts on the subject, and its connectedness to mental wellness and burnout in men.In the words of Dr. Topaz, “We need our brothers to be well.” Father’s Day is coming up. Share this episode with a man who holds a special place in your heart. Let’s establish an interconnected community that is committed to creating strong minds and soft lives. Listening to this podcast is an investment in yourself. And when you are better, we are all better. Join us, Sisters…and Brothers too!

If you have been tuning into Strong Mind, Soft Life with Dr. Topaz, you know she always shows love for the women. This month, Dr. Topaz is intentional about showing lots of love for the men too. June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month which is designed to raise awareness, eradicate stigma, and encourage a focus on mental wellness for men. Listen as Dr. Topaz and Justin Hyacinth, LMHC, explore the intersection of mental health and the Caribbean culture, as it relates to the concept of masculinity. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Justin has a particular passion for supporting men’s mental health and working with clients who feel overwhelmed, emotionally stuck, burned out, or disconnected from themselves. There is so much to take away from the conversation. We have to encourage our fathers, sons, husbands and brothers to tap into their physical AND emotional strength. There is power in saying, “I love you,” and “I apologize.”  In the words of Dr. Topaz, “We need our brothers to be well.” Father’s Day is coming up. Share this episode with a man who holds a special place in your heart. Let’s establish an interconnected community that is committed to creating strong minds and soft lives. Listening to this podcast is an investment in yourself. And when you are better, we are all better. Join us, Sisters…and Brothers too!

Dr. Topaz has a huge heart for women.  She celebrates our victories and empathizes with our struggles. Dr. Topaz views a strong mind as the capacity to think clearly, feel fully and choose intentionally- without abandoning yourself.  This belief supports a soft life which values peace, pleasure and presence without abandoning responsibility or self-respect.If you have been listening to Strong Mind, Soft Life with Dr. Topaz, you know she always shows love for the women. This month, Dr. Topaz is intentional about showing lots of love for the men too. June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month which is designed to raise awareness, eradicate stigma, and encourage a focus on mental wellness for men. Dr. Topaz kicks off the month with a powerful conversation with Dr. Bryant Keith, a Doctor of Psychology.  Dr. Bryant Keith is also a recording artist (yes, you read that correctly!) who fuses artistry and medical expertise to extend his ability to help others.  Listen to their very raw, real, relatable conversation about the mental health concerns of men, and how they present differently than those of women. In the words of Dr. Topaz, “We need our brothers to be well.” Share this episode with a man who holds a place in your heart. It is ok not to be ok. And that is where community can provide the needed uplift.Let’s establish an interconnected community that is committed to creating strong minds and soft lives. Listening to this podcast is an investment in yourself. And when you are better, we are all better. Join us, Sisters…and Brothers too!

Are you in a constant state of feeling overwhelmed? Take a breath, and check out this conversation that Dr. Topaz has with Dr. Chanelle Ramsubick, a Trini-Canadian, board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrist and the founder of Clearpath ADHD based in California. When many of us think of ADHD, we associate its effects on children and teens. This discussion centers around our need to understand what ADHD looks like in adults and women. Dr. Ramsubick masterfully defines ADHD in terms that are clear, concise, and relatable. If lacking the skills to get through the day in a productive, goal-oriented manner is a long-standing norm for you, maybe its time for you to go deeper. As always, if the topics discussed  on this podcast resonate with you, or could be impacting a loved one, seek the support of a licensed clinician for further evaluation. Do not rely on social media for a diagnosis or treatment plan.Let’s establish an interconnected community that is committed to creating strong minds and soft lives. Listening to this podcast is an investment in yourself. And when you are better, we are all better. Join us, Sis!

Dr. Topaz has a huge heart for women.  She celebrates our victories and empathizes with our struggles. Dr. Topaz views a strong mind as the capacity to think clearly, feel fully and choose intentionally- without abandoning yourself.  This belief supports a soft life which values peace, pleasure and presence without abandoning responsibility or self-respect.On this #TherapyThursday, Dr. Topaz continues her robust conversation with Erin A. Harper, PhD. They take a deeper dive into political and societal issues that are prevalent today, and the impact they have on our mental health. Collectively, we are not ok. If you think the continuous news loop and never-ending group chat with your family is not impacting your mental health, you are mistaken. Resist the temptation to run and hide. The world needs your light more than ever. Don’t wait for this season of discord to blow over, you need to be a part of the winds of change. Engage with the community that Dr. Topaz and her guests are creating, AND if it will help you, make time to see a licensed, certified mental health professional. The transformation our world needs will not happen without Black women.  Black women who are whole, who are healing, who are putting themselves out there to shift the narrative to one of truth, hope, and love for all. Let’s establish an interconnected community that is committed to creating strong minds and soft lives. Listening to this podcast is an investment in yourself. And when you are better, we are all better. Join us, Sis!

Dr. Topaz has a huge heart for women.  She celebrates our victories and empathizes with our struggles. Dr. Topaz views a strong mind as the capacity to think clearly, feel fully and choose intentionally- without abandoning yourself.  This belief supports a soft life which values peace, pleasure and presence without abandoning responsibility or self-respect.“Laughter is the best medicine,” is one of Dr. Topaz’ favorite sayings. On this #TherapyThursday, Dr. Topaz talks politics and mental health with Erin A. Harper, PhD, an award-winning creative, psychologist, researcher, and organizational leader working at the intersection of storytelling, mental health, social impact….and professional comedian!!! The sisterly love abounds as Topaz and Erin are both graduates of Spelman College and members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Eta Kappa chapter. Listen as they explore political stress and its impact on our collective mental health. This conversation is so rich, it is part 1 of 2 (a first for Dr. Topaz)! If you are a Black woman, this episode is going to hit different. Our intersections with the political ecosystem are like no other group. Tap in with Dr. Topaz on social media. Share your thoughts. As she says, don’t hold back.Let’s establish an interconnected community that is committed to creating strong minds and soft lives. Listening to this podcast is an investment in yourself. And when you are better, we are all better. Join us, Sis!

Dr. Topaz has a huge heart for women.  She celebrates our victories and empathizes with our struggles. Dr. Topaz views a strong mind as the capacity to think clearly, feel fully and choose intentionally- without abandoning yourself.  This belief supports a soft life which values peace, pleasure and presence without abandoning responsibility or self-respect.Are you a people-pleaser? If yes, this episode may be right up your alley. On this #TherapyThursday, Dr. Topaz chats with her Class of 2010 Spelman College sister (we love the HBCUs!), Erin Stanley, LCSW. Erin is the owner of Honey Bee Therapy, a virtual private practice which offers online therapy for high-achieving women. You know Erin is going to keep it real with us when she includes her enjoyment of deep rest in her introduction. (How many times have you heard that?!?) To level-set this conversation, Erin defines high-achieving, over-functioning women as those who are doing it all, and not slowing down to check on themselves. If this sounds familiar, you may need to listen to this episode more than once….and that’s ok. Stop shrinking, start shining. The world needs your light!Let’s establish an interconnected community that is committed to creating strong minds and soft lives. Listening to this podcast is an investment in yourself. And when you are better, we are all better. Join us, Sis!

“Different cultures have different perspectives on the topic of mental health. On this #TherapyThursday, Dr. Topaz is joined by Keshia Cameron, MA, LCSW who is a Program Coordinator at Columbia University and psychotherapist.”Listen as these ‘Caribbean Girls’ discuss their heritage and its intersection with mental wellness and the associated stigmas that span generations…and run deep. Their topics are serious, but their storytelling and laughter make them relatable. If you normally sip on coffee or tea while listening to Dr. Topaz, switch it up and grab a tropical smoothie for this one.Let’s establish an interconnected community that is committed to creating strong minds and soft lives. Listening to this podcast is an investment in yourself. And when you are better, we are all better. June is the 20th annual recognition of Caribbean American Heritage Month. This year, let’s use the month to have real talk about mental health, and turn the page away from silence and shame. Join us, Sis!

Dr. Topaz has a huge heart for women.  She celebrates our victories and empathizes with our struggles. Dr. Topaz views a strong mind as the capacity to think clearly, feel fully and choose intentionally- without abandoning yourself.  This belief supports a soft life which values peace, pleasure and presence without abandoning responsibility or self-respect.April is Autism Awareness Month which was established to encourage greater awareness of autism spectrum disorder, celebrate neurodiversity, and foster inclusion for autistic individuals and their families. On this #TherapyThursday, Dr. Topaz talks autism with Dr. Dana, a double-boarded child and adolescent psychiatrist with degrees from Dillard University, Boston University, and Baylor College of Medicine. Dr. Dana is passionate about increasing acceptance for the field of psychiatry within the Black community, and informing about autism in simple, easy to understand terms. Need support with a possible autism diagnosis? Now is not the time to rely on TikTok, social media and online boards. You deserve individualized attention and a specific diagnosis. Clarity is your friend. Let’s establish an interconnected community that is committed to creating strong minds and soft lives. Listening to this podcast is an investment in yourself. And when you are better, we are all better. Join us, Sis!

Dr. Topaz has a huge heart for women.  She celebrates our victories and empathizes with our struggles. Dr. Topaz views a strong mind as the capacity to think clearly, feel fully and choose intentionally- without abandoning yourself.  This belief supports a soft life which values peace, pleasure and presence without abandoning responsibility or self-respect.On this #TherapyThursday, Dr. Topaz talks love with Dr. Queinnise Miller, author of Lead with Love, 8 Heart-Centered Strategies for Exceptional Leadership. Dr. Q is a self-proclaimed ‘lover of love and leadership,’ who coaches aspiring educational leaders on the transformative power of love. The ‘keep it real vibe’ is on full tilt as Dr. Topaz and Dr. Q remind us that love and surrender are key components of living a soft life. We are all leaders; our leadership effectiveness is a direct reflection of how we love ourselves. Let’s establish an interconnected community that is committed to creating strong minds and soft lives. Listening to this podcast is an investment in yourself. And when you are better, we are all better. Join us, Sis!

Dr. Topaz has a huge heart for women.  She celebrates our victories and empathizes with our struggles. Dr. Topaz views a strong mind as the capacity to think clearly, feel fully and choose intentionally- without abandoning yourself.  This belief supports a soft life which values peace, pleasure and presence without abandoning responsibility or self-respect.On this #TherapyThursday, Dr. Topaz leans in with Lacey Tezino, Founder of Passport Journeys, the first therapy app that focuses on healing mother/daughter relationships.  Losing her mom, brought Lacey into her purpose. Listen as she reflects on how her friends supported her as her mom’s life was ending, and how those actions sowed seeds into Lacey’s efforts to help other moms and daughters. In this relationship paradigm, there is not a lack of love; there is a lack of healing from generational traumas. If your mom is no longer with you, we see you, and we send you a healing, liberating love.Let’s establish an interconnected community that is committed to creating strong minds and soft lives. Listening to this podcast is an investment in yourself. And when you are better, we are all better. Join us, Sis!

21 Media is excited to announce the launch of a new podcast, Strong Mind, Soft Life with Dr. Topaz!  This podcast creates a much-needed space for women to invest in and optimize their mental wellness.Dr, Topaz has a huge heart for women.  She celebrates our victories and empathizes with our struggles. Dr. Topaz views a strong mind as the capacity to think clearly, feel fully and choose intentionally- without abandoning yourself.  This belief supports a soft life which values peace, pleasure and presence without abandoning responsibility or self-respect.On this #TherapyThursday, Dr. Topaz spends time with Dr. Danielle Hairston. ‘Dr. Dani’ is the Residency Training Director at Howard University’s Hospital and College of Medicine, an author and speaker on racism and psychiatry, and a proud toddler mom like Topaz. Listen as they open up on their continued quest for an authentic, soft life. Maybe we can continue this convo in Jamaica, on one of Dr. Dani’s retreats.Let’s establish an interconnected community that is committed to creating strong minds and soft lives. Listening to this podcast is an investment in yourself. And when you are better, we are all better. Join us, Sis!

21 Media is excited to announce the launch of a new podcast, Strong Mind, Soft Life with Dr. Topaz!  This podcast creates a much-needed space for women to invest in and optimize their mental wellness.Dr. Topaz views a strong mind as the capacity to think clearly, feel fully and choose intentionally- without abandoning yourself.  This belief supports a soft life which values peace, pleasure and presence without abandoning responsibility or self-respect.Listen as we learn about our guide for this journey, Dr. Topaz. She reflects on her career in mental and wellness, and the genesis for the new podcast project. Dr, Topaz has a huge heart for women.  She celebrates our victories and empathizes with our struggles. Let’s establish an interconnected community that is committed to creating strong minds and soft lives. Listening to this podcast is an investment in yourself. And when you are better, we are all better. Join us, Sis!