The Discussion Room

Shenise McKnight-Wigall is a Howard University Class of 2012 Alumna, leaving out her dreams despite the hurdles life laid in her path. She opens up about the health scare that caused her to miss out on the May 2012 commencement ceremony, the advantages of coming to campus with a job as a Freshman, and the healing powers of motherhood. She shares her ankylosing spondylitis diagnosis, and how it led to her making healthier food choices for herself and her family. How in the face of stress she's learning to still be ambitious while finding a balance for health and wellness. "Shenise McKnight Always Represents the People" was the basis behind her first business endeavor S.M.A.R.T. People PR firm. We get to learn how the combination of leveraging her job in local politics and her opportunities as volunteer, of the Howard University Homecoming Committee, helped develop the relationships to make that business possible. She mentioned how the experience of being a Homecoming volunteer helped her see the event as more than a celebration, but as a vehicle to make the connections to the people she would like to represent at her PR firm. That one year of volunteering, led her to spearheading the Celebrity Basketball game the following year and being chair of the whole mutli-million dollar production her senior year, raising record-breaking funds at that time. It wasn't her first time producing a big budget event in the city. Her resume positioned her as the best candidate for the job. She had already put together the Inaugural concert for the DC Children's Education Fund. Her work with the city, on campus and with her PR firm was so impressive, her mom had to convince her on more than one occasion to stay in school and get the degree to fall back on if ever any of her employers were no longer in position to employ her. I just want to say, Momma's discernment is on point! This phenomenal Howard Woman, was ambitious early on! She announced at 7years old that she was going to attend Howard University, put the poster up and never took it down, despite offers from Stanford and UCLA being on the table. She currently works at Google, a company that when looking back at her Senior Project indications of where she saw herself 10, 15 or 20 years later, she knew she would be. Tune in for all the gems she dropped about her experience and extending opportunities to others.

On today's episode of Ain't Nothing Like A Howard Girl, Ms. Reid continues her conversation with Howard University Political Science graduate Ashley Mooring, The conversation picks up with Ashley sharing her need to find a different off-campus housing solution, and how a classmate in her French class presented the perfect solution. They go on to discuss how people who don't even know you, extend themselves and their resources in moments of need, converting them to life long friends. Ashley discusses the unwavering support of her family and their push for her to pursue her dreams even as those dreams shape shift. What things learned at home, should and could be taught at the university level for better context. And how the desire for reciprocity keeps us willfully indebted to our grandparents, while also leaning on our discernment to disavow us from being drained in service like those who've come before us. They briefly touch on Ashley's time with the Howard Gospel Choir and the opportunities it afforded her, as well as the ones she had to turn down. Ultimately, Ashley Mooring had one piece of advice for Howard Girls, Women, & Men alike "Take the Risk & Trust Your gifts." tune in to see exactly what that means. Music on this episode, and all episodes of the pod within a pod, Ain't Nothing Like a Howard Girl, features the track of the same name from a Mixtape titled The Freshmen 15 produced by Ryan McCaulsky. Voices on the track include, Jerez Giles, Anthony Henry and Robert James. The track samples Shawty Swing My Way by K.P. & Envyi

On Today's episode of Ain't Nothing Like A Howard Girl, Ms. Reid asks one of her Howard friends, Ashley Mooring, to share their Howard journey. In this first of a 2 part episode Ashley starts by sharing why her diploma reflects a different year than when she actually graduated and walked in the commencement ceremony. She shares how she came on campus having to advocate for herself from the very beginning when her department wouldn't accept all of her IB credits she earned in high school. Mooring goes on to share how her connections on campus introduced her to a study abroad opportunity with the ICCAE short for Intelligence Community Center of Academic Excellence, what that experience was like and her fight to get the credits she earned applied upon her return. Ms. Reid asked about dating on campus and Ashley shared what it was like compared to high school as well as dating now in their thirties, she gave a glimpse of insight into the creativity that came along with dating on a college student's budget. Their conversation makes it's way to Howard's continued housing concerns and Ms. Mooring shares the scenario that led her to seek off campus housing as a sophomore student which leads into next week's episode.

Today on Ain't Nothing Like A Howard Girl, Ms. Reid speaks with fellow class of 2012 Alumna Kristen Woods Broughton. She shares what occurences in her life during her matriculation at Howard changed the trajectory of the life she lives today. She opens up about the family she comes from, the family she's building and her personal impact on Atlanta schools, like improving literacy levels by 20% in her school before being invited to work at the district level. Kristen Woods Broughton is a proud graduate of Howard University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in Secondary Education in 2012. A dedicated advocate for public school education, Kristen currently serves as a Secondary Literacy Specialist for Atlanta Public Schools, supporting students and teachers in elevating literacy across the district. Since her graduation from Howard, she has furthered her expertise with a Master’s degree in Curriculum & Instruction and has over 12 years of experience in education, with a focus on empowering minority students in urban environments. While at Howard, Kristen served as co-chair and chair of Res-Fest, a campus initiative promoting unity and pride among dormitory residents. She also began her career in education by mentoring students in the DC area and gaining hands-on experience as a student-teacher at Cardoza High School. Kristen lives in Atlanta with her husband and their two daughters, who inspire her continued commitment to education and community. In her spare time, she enjoys dancing, reading, and dinner dates. Affectionately calling herself the “baby of an HBCU family,” Kristen comes from a line of HBCU graduates and loves to periodically return to “The Mecca” to reconnect with her heritage and foundational values.

In today's episode of Ain't Nothing Like A Howard Girl, Howard University School of Business Graduate Victoria Iworah Stokes talks about what it's like to leave the University without the coveted "Big Girl Job" we come in expecting to obtain. She talks about her motivation to leave South Carolina for Washington DC as a teen, and what that experience was like in the long run. Victoria shares what it is like to land that corporate job, maintain it, while also running a business, nurturing a marriage and raising one child soon to be two children. We discuss how not knowing what you don't know & the naivete of youth will have you blocked from opportunities at a company you think can provide the experience you need all because in youthful assumption, you already committed to a company that ultimately did not have longevity in today's climate. Also be sure to support her business Sugarberry Gifting Co. this holiday season.

In this episode of Ain't Nothing Like A Howard Girl, Ms. Reid chats with Mecaela Dunson, Howard University Class of 2013 Computer Engineering Alumna. They reminisce on their involvement with Jewels Incorporated a mentoring organization founded on Howard University's campus that both women joined as Freshmen. Mecaela goes on to share some of her favorite Freshmen year memories, before detailing the domino effect of grief and loss started by the loss of her job and continuing with loss after loss concluding with her survival of Breast Cancer. They also discuss Mecaela's podcast, The Millenial Job where she discusses everything grief, loss, joy victory and healing.

In this episode of Ain't Nothing Like A Howard Girl the pod within a pod, Ms. Reid chats with fellow School of B graduate Kenisha Beresford. This conversation took place in the Summer of 2022 just before both women's 10th Homecoming Anniversary, Kenisha is a Hospitality Management Graduate in Howard University's Class of 2012, from Queens, NY. She gets candid about her entrepreneurship journey and her critique of the University. Kenisha talked about respecting students before they become alumni instead of treating them like numbers on campus and dollar signs once they've gone. She shared her deep affection for our Alma Mater, as well as some solutions for her concerns, believing no amount of love for Howard should stop us from expecting accountability. Both women discussed how Howard open their eyes to the many ways there are to exist as a Black person, and recognizing that being Black isn't a monolith, and neither is the Howard experience. Don't be afraid to ask the question, because asking is the only way to learn what you don't know.

In this episode of Ain't Nothing Like a Howard Girl, Ms. Reid chats with fellow Howard University Class of 2012 Alumna Jazmin Moses-Counts. Jazmin Moses-Counts shares why she believes when it comes to Howard Women, we are ALL, THAT GIRL! She talks about what it means to live in the Plan B of life, and how at time when many of us are grieving the lives we expected to be living at this age, she has found a way to feel fulfilled. She shares that taking Plan B is never about changing the destination, just the way we arrive there. Tune in for more gems.

In this continuation of the pod within a pod "Ain't Nothing Like a Howard Girl" Ms. Reid speaks with Howard University Alumna Jeslyn Miller, Fashion Merchandising Graduate from the class of 2012. This conversation took place in the summer of 2022, right before both women's 10 year graduation anniversary. Jeslyn shares the affirmations she'd give to the Howard Girl she once was, the lessons she learned in life through the lens of loss, and the positivity her parents poured into her as a child, shines through her business Unique & Lovely today. She also advises the powers that be at our Alma Mater, to listen to voices of the STUDENTS, because people don't tend to give their funds to places they don't feel respected and heard.

In this first episode of the pod within a pod "Ain't Nothing Like A Howard Girl" Ms. Reid speaks with Howard University Alumna LeeAndria Williams, a Journalism Graduate of the class of 2012. This conversation took place in the fall of 2022, right before both women's 10 year graduation anniversary. LeeAndria, shares advice she'd give the Howard Girl she once was, how her current life differs from where her college aged self thought she'd be, as well as recommendations for improvements for the University to maintain it's legacy of greatness. She also shares, why the date of Barack Obama's 2008 Inauguration has a different significance in her life, and how the strength of her friends carried her through getting some of the hardest news a young adult could receive.

After a two year hiatus, it's time to BOUNCE BACK. Ms. Reid goes into what inspired her to start this podcast, what has kept her away and what's coming up next. She discusses the overwhelming feeling of living life for the sake of creating content in the name of capitalism, instead of living life and documenting the memories. Check it out and decide if you agree.

It's Black Breastfeeding Week and 2 years into motherhood, Ms. Reid reflects on her Breastfeeding experience, what is has been like to choose a care provider for her child & the results of her Instagram Story engagement asking people how they feel about parenting. Give it a listen, subscribe on your favorite streaming platform and donate to buymeacoffee.com/MsReid to keep this creator going!

What do you do when the protection you need, puts your loved ones at risk?  How do you address the patterns that produce people prepared to spend their lives in a cell when they don't belong there?  Do you know how to comfort a child who loses their father days before father's day when you can't process the world losing a beautiful soul? Are you finding joy in the same place you find your answers? Can you give grace to people who didn't know they had anything to heal from?

Ms. Reid makes an announcement and Thanks listeners for their support in amplifying the PodCa$h Grant application submitted by The Discussion Room.

Ms. Reid shares more than an hour with co-founder and CEO of Health in Her Hue Ashlee Wisdom. Ashlee shares what made her feel connected to the early content Ms. Reid wrote on DaaamnDaddy. How growing up in the church has helped shape who she is today. The lineage of persevering and pioneering women she comes from. And what it means to have a father and still feel you’ve missed out on the Daddy’s Girl experience. She shares what steps she's taking to make sure she doesn't get lost in the sauce of capitalism while growing her business. Explaining to her immigrant family that she set aside plans of being a doctor to work in public health, which has now grown into a health tech start-up, Ashlee continues to blaze her own path. 

In this episode Ms. Reid speaks with certified Dialectical Behavior Therapist & Addiction specialist Berrell Cobb about his experiences working in the prison system. What it’s been like to grieve a loved one with a complex existence. Reflecting on how the things we hate most in others may be a mirror of ourselves. And discussing the deep impact of The Autobiography of Malcolm X. We also get an introduction to his new podcast Black & Better. Expect to Learn: About the Stigma of Incarceration 7:30 Adverse Childhood Experiences 8:00 Prison Industrial Complex 59:00 The importance of Bonding & Attachment 37:41 Resources from this Episode The Autobiography of Malcolm X ACES questionnaire Be sure to leave us a 5 star review on Apple, Spotify & Facebook. Share your favorite gems with a friend & Follow thediscussionroompodcast on Instagram.

In the last episode Ms. Reid got vulnerable about her struggle with adapting to motherhood. Some listeners reached out & asked that she share the unreleased content she mentioned in that episode. Here, you get raw reflections from October 9, 2021 and a bit of celebration for starting this platform nearly seven years ago. Next Month, February 2022 marks seven years since Daaamn Daddy, the blog from which this podcast comes, was started. We encourage you to share any feedback for how that blog/this podcast has impacted your life in the past seven years by sending an email to [email protected] As always Thank You for listening. Follow us on IG: @thediscussionroompodcast & share your favorite episode with a friend.

Ms. Reid gets open & vulnerable about her personal struggles with her role as a parent. •What happened to the village mentality? •Why standing firm in your own boundaries matters •What it's like being responsible for someone else with no days off

As a man & a father, Jonathan Kirk said some things that were wild. And if we keep it a buck he did some even wilder things before this. However, this is the statement that caused him to receive the most backlash. In this episode Ms. Reid speaks candidly on how the backlash rapper Da Baby is receiving reflects the way he is parenting his children, while simultaneously using his environment as a scapegoat for his ignorant remarks. When you know better, you do better. Just do it genuinely. For a different way to view his situation watch this video by rapper Akilah Nehanda

On this International Day of Friendship(7/30/2021), revisit a clip from a conversation with the hosts of Girl Talk with Pops, Brittany & Todd Gwynn, a Father Daughter Duo who manage to have a friendship in addition to Todd's parental guidance. Learn what helped Todd develop this type of relationship with his daughters and also reflect on your own relationships.  Additionally, Ms. Reid is looking to be a guest on other podcasts, listen to her playlist "Featuring Ms. Reid" on Spotify & tell your other favorite podcast hosts to have her on their show. As always you can visit daaamndaddy.com/podcast to subscribe to The Discussion Room on your favorite listening platforms. And follow The podcast on Instagram and Facebook for more.

In honor of Global Forgiveness Day (7/7/21) Ms. Reid shares this conversation from Season 1. Her guest shares that forgiving his father for not being who he needed was necessary for him to repair their relationship & allow is father a clean slate in being a grandfather to his child. Tune in, and share your thoughts on this episode on our Facebook page or tag us in your IG Story.

In honor of May being #MentalHealthAwareness Month I decided to bring back this conversation from Season 2 with Reginald A. Howard, host of the Black Mental Health Podcast. He shares his mental wellness journey. Talks about how fatherhood helped him understand his father's absence & why in his opinion it may seem easier for men to forgive absent fathers than women. All month long on Ms. Reid's Instagram page, she has been encouraging women to share their Maternal Mental Health Experiences. If you have one to share, feel free to email [email protected] and read today's on Daaamndaddy.com For more information on Reginald, visit his website here.

Check on the Mother's in your life. #MentalHealthMatters & some times what they're dealing with is deeper than what you know! If you have a Maternal Mental Health Issue you would like to share email [email protected] or seek opportunities to share with me on IG  @daaamndaddy Don't forget to rate us on your favorite streaming platforms so your friends can find us!

****WARNING: This episode includes details of CHILD ABUSE & SEXUAL ASSAULT Please make sure you are in a safe mental space before listening.**** This episode from Season 1 highlights a story filled with child abuse and sexual assault. The guest who openly shares her past is Ira Warren. She and her husband Divine Warren have co-authored a book for children to help them become guardians of their own bodies. Please support their efforts to end the molestation epidemic by purchasing a copy of their book BODYGUARDS. Ira describes the abuse she survived at the hands of her parents. How it felt to be unable to protect her own children from abuse. And the work she's doing now to stop other children from experiencing sexual trauma. April is both CHILD ABUSE & SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS Month. And May begins MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS Month. If you are a survivor of either child abuse or sexual assault please be sure to utilize tools such as therapy to maintain your mental health and wholeness.

The woman behind Journey Mom shares with Ms. Reid about Motherhood, her love of solo travel, establishing cultural identity & working in the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion space. We also touch on some of the unspoken impacts of COVID-19.  If you enjoy this episode, please consider supporting our ability to secure future guests.

In this episode Ms. Reid celebrates SIX YEARS of analyzing her own "Daddy Issues" by sharing the blog post that started it all. Admitting is the first Step to dealing with any personal issues. She also shares a way you as the audience can support continued growth via buymeacoffee.com/MsReid

Girl Talk with Pops is a podcast hosted by father daughter duo Brittney & Todd Gwynn. On today's episode I talk to the Gwynns about how Girl Talk With Pops got started, and dig a little deeper into the foundation of their relationship outside of the show. Pops is honest about how intentional or unintentional his life choices have been. He shares what he's learned about dating and blended families from his journey in fatherhood. Brittney shares what inspires her to have such open dialogue with her father. She also discusses her philosophy on learning from relationships in general. Tune in and get to know a little bit more about the Gwynn's on this episode of The Discussion Room. You can also visit girltalkwithpops.com to hear their latest episodes and follow @girltalkwithpops on Instagram See here for lessons Brittney learned from Pops

Interviewing my Granpa led to discussions about how his parents were raised. What lessons from them he passed on to his children. Being drafted during the Vietnam War. Religion, Real Estate and so much more! Tune in to hear what happens as I get to know my GranPa a little bit better.

It's National Mentoring Month, so today we're throwing it back to Season 1 interview with the Founder of Jewels Inc. Mrs. BMarcell Williams. Not only does she tell us how losing a loved one helped inspire the movement that is know as Jewels Inc. She also opens up about marriage and motherhood & how her relationship with God has carried her through the hard times. Tune in for some gems from this Jewel!

In this episode Ms. Reid Interviews her Maternal Grandmother about being raised by her father in the south; running away to reunite with her mother in the  north; why she wouldn't marry an alcoholic & what it was like raising a teen Mom.

Season 3 is dropping January 7th! Get into what's new by listening to Ms. Reid's New Year Message.  Visit Facebook.com/TheDiscussionRoomPod to leave feedback and follow @thediscussionroompodcast on IG for more

Sharing a bit of Holiday Cheer with my Tiny Cohost

In Honor of National Adoption Day on 11/21 and National Adoption Month, I share a few clips from previous episodes where guests discuss their adoption stories. With critics questioning why black people don't adopt, as numbers of black & brown children in the system increases, it was important to highlight those that have experienced being adopted. When you're done, I encourage you to go back and listen to their individual stories in depth. Season 1 Episode 4 Epic Endurance and Season 2 Episode 7 Angelle's Adoption Story

In honor of National Novel Writer’s Month, I share this conversation recorded in March 2020 with Author, Essayist and Communicator Extraordinaire Tassika Lloyd. She shares with us the history behind her book “She’s Your Daughter Too” and how her relationship with her father has been the foundation for her relationship with words. Press play on this episode if you want to hear what it sounds like to literally SPEAK LIFE into someone. Find Tassika on Instagram @tassikadotcom

Quick word from Ms. Reid

Author & podcast host Reginald A. Howard enters The Discussion Room to talk about how is own struggles with Mental Health led him to forgive his father, write his book & become an advocate for others. Find him on Social Media @reginaldahoward & grab his book Struggling to Success https://reginaldahoward.bigcartel.com/

What's the worst 2020 has done to you? Take your favorite athlete? A beloved political mentor? Remind you of the systems that operate against you? Rob you of celebrations you'll never get back or take your father away? How heavy has the year been & how can you help heal?

Join Ms. Reid in a moment of remembering a Cycle Breaker from Season 1 as she shares some clips of her interview with guest Aprille Franks. October is the start to Domestic Violence Awareness Month and these clips highlight instances of overcoming Domestic Violence at various life stages. If you or someone you know needs assistance escaping a situation involving Intimate Partner Violence call 1-800-799-7233

In this Season 2 episode, Ms. Reid explores the impact poor paternity leave policies have on parenting dynamics and shares what she's learned about other countries' policies. She also talks about not holding back your true self in relationships.

Tune in for updates on where the show has been & what to expect next.

Dr. Angelle Richardson was inspired by her parents' divorce & her re-connection with her biological family to become a family therapist. She takes her work to build relationships & repair families seriously  Tune in to hear not only about the work she does within her practice, but about growing up knowing she was adopted & the interesting encounters she's had with both the family that raised her & the family she was born into. For more information on Dr. Angelle, visit Extended-Hearts.com

Manifest Coach James Valentine talks quantum physics, taking a break from his parents & discovering that his daughter is more than an extension of him. He takes us on the journey of his upbringing, shares the lessons he had to unlearn as well as what we can learn from his books. The Manifest Formula & Relationship Chronicles: The Truth About the Stories we tell Ourselves. Keep in touch with James by joining his Facebook group Manifesting Love Wholeness & Life with James and gain access to his books via his website AwakeningtoLove.org This week's episode includes music from the group First Choice, using a snippet of their song Dr. Love in the Intro

In this episode I converse with Sadija Smiley creator of the non-profit Stillborn And Infant Loss Support. We talk about how her relationship with her father impacted her dating decisions. How birthing a sleeping baby changed her life forever & how she's learned to support others through the grieving process by reflecting on what could have gone better about hers. For more information on Sadija's movement, visit her BornIntoSilence.org Don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube Channel to help us reach 100 subscribers!

Motivational Speaker & founder of Another Level Empowerment, Brian Peay talks about starting traditions with his sons; healing from a physically present yet emotionally absent father; and how saying what needs to be said while you have the chance makes all the difference. For more information on this Charlotte native follow his Instagram  @bpspeaks to keep up with his speaking engagements and workshops. And to Fulfill our Christmas Wish go to our YouTube Page and hit SUBSCRIBE!

Shy Williams of Shy Speaks enters The Discussion Room to talk everything from her children's books instilling  pride in the youth, her parent's estranged relationship due to the pursuit of education & how she taught herself Black History & has curated bus tours to share that experience with others. Sit back & relax, because this episode features 2 Jersey girls discussing Daddy Issues & the education system with so much more along the way. To learn more about Detective turned Social Justice Advocate Shy Williams, visit her website speakshy.com or follow her on social media @iamshywilliams And to Fulfill our Christmas Wish go subscribe to our YouTube Page and hit SUBSCRIBE!

Mike Morisseau tells us how he went from little to no interest in Math to a Financial counselor. Sharing lessons he learned at home, to those he instills in his own son. He extends his knowledge on Money Moves & animation via his IG&FB @MikeMorisseau to  all of you! And you can get more information about his services at MikeMorisseau.com Documentary Mentioned in this episode: Broke, Busted & Disgusted

In this conversation with a life coach, we learn how great things some times grow from grief. Family Dynamics can be complicated, and sometimes, dating a man like your father doesn't mean what you thought it did. Tune in for a casual discussion that dives deep in different directions. For more information on Tish visit LatishaCarr.com and catch new episodes of  The Refill every Wednesday.

Get a taste of some of Season 2's Topics and guests in this medley episode. Also learn how you can become a supporter of this podcast through Anchor's Listener Support program. If you like what you hear, send us a voice message using the anchor app!

Vocal artist & mother Ira Warren shares the story of her upbringing and how it's led her to write a book for children about how to guard their bodies. This episode includes sensitive material surrounding the topics of child abuse & sexual assault as she discusses what she has coined the Molestation Epidemic.

KyShon Johnson, creator of the 100 Other Halves Movement shares how a study abroad experience led her to search for answers about father-daughter relationships in the black community.