THE REALITY CHECK

Hey, welcome back to #TheRealitycheck podcast Where we discuss and discover the real life impacts of Realitycheck, life, and growth because we are all just a rose with a few thorns trying to grow. I stepped into birthwork as a Doula in 2019. Becoming a Doula was important to me because I knew my community needed the representation. If you are black and birthing , get you a Doula. Today we welcome a dear friend and great Doula onto the RC platform. This interview will highlight the power of reclaiming our bodies, birthing spaces, and ancestral roots. Let’s welcome the beautiful Doula Lo. Lauryn aka Doula Lo is holistic full spectrum doula, midwife birth assistant, herbalist, placenta specialist. Now relocated to Washington State from Michigan but frequently traveling the US to do community doula work in black maternal health. Lauryn graduated with her bachelors in Therapeutic Recreation and pursued her career as behavior health therapist for kids diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. She currently mentors teens and adults pursing doula and academic mentoring for BIPOC middle school youth. Her multi-faceted creativity intertwines with her activism work centered through yoga, doula support and her traditional practice of Hoodoo. She is a major health and wellness advocate and lives to curate spaces for the BIPOC/LGBTQIA+ community to come together and heal. She specializes in palm reading, rootwork, yoga-asana(kids, teens, perinatal), meditation, and sound bowl therapy, herbal preparations.

As the host of #TheRealitycheck podcast I get to merge my creative ventures into my academic career. For my final presentation I am responsible to interview a Higher Ed professional. I decided to choose this amazing individual because of her enthusiasm and passion for serving within higher educational settings. Episode 8: Highlights Women in Higher Ed spaces Realitycheck: Resilience in HBCU spaces.Welcome our special guest to #TheRealitycheckPodcast A prolific author and speaker, Dana Fergins Hawthorne is the author of 7 Rules of Resilience blending research with real-world strategies to inspire personal and professional growth. She has presented nationally and internationally on personal development, leadership, and resilience, and is widely recognized for her ability to transform challenges into opportunities for growth.She serves as Honor Provram Director, History Professor, and Education Professor at Wiley University. Beyond academia, Mrs. Fergins Hawthorne is deeply engaged in community leadership through the Junior League of Collin County, Riverbend Rotary, Lupus Foundation Lone Star Chapter, and personal community service, where her work embodies her belief in “service above self.” A proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated—an organization rooted in sisterhood, scholarship, and service. Her leadership has been honored with numerous awards, including 2X Teacher of the Year, Louisiana Distinguished Clinician, and Student Choice Faculty of the Year. She has earned multiple degrees that reflect my commitment to education and leadership. I hold a Master’s Degree (M.A.) in History, a Master’s degree (M.Ed.) in Educational Leadership, and a Bachelor’s degree in Education. Each of these degrees has equipped me with the knowledge, skills, and perspectives to excel as an educator, leader, and mentor in both academic and community settings.Support her book and site at http://www.danafergins.com

Episode 7: The power of Representation Highlighting women writers When you think of super hero’s , you may think of someone who has been called to help save a life. Those who inspire people and those who help children. I think of those who create safe and creative spaces to imagine and discover the power of self love through representation. Today, I welcome a pioneer that has done just that , our special guest has transformed children literacy with care and genuine kindness .Someone who literally wakes up to make a difference everyday, in not only her children’s lives but ALL children. She has made her mark in the classroom, on bookshelf’s and every heart that gets to experience her loving and giving spirit. Today I get to celebrate CEO , writer , and author LaTashia Perry.Mrs. Perry is a proud Michigan native, wife to her high school sweetheart Mr. Perry , and mother of six brilliant children. She is the bestselling author of the kids Like Mine picture book series, a powerful collection created to celebrate diversity, promote self-love, and provide children with positive representation. Her work has been featured by People Magazine, PBS Kids, Good Morning America, PopSugar, and now TheRealitycheck podcast! Her books have sold over half a million copies, translated into French and Spanish, and expanded into a brand inspired by her own children titles “kids like hers.”Beyond her career, LaTashia is inspiring other women & writers. Showing the purpose of a pen, the patience in the journey, and the power of representation. Outside of her busy career, Mrs. Perry enjoys traveling with her family, Friday family movie nights, and impromptu dance parties at home.Oh , and one time for the hair goals! We all want hair like hers! Let’s welcome the CEO and creator Mrs. LaTishia Perry

The 6th episode will unpack “The power of representation and Highlighting black women in STEM”STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, referring to these academic disciplines and the fields that utilize them in education, research, and careers.Today #TheRealitycheckPodcast surprise guest is an exceptional woman, leader, and Soror of mine. From the first moment I saw her I knew her light was organic and voice was necessary. I have the privilege to interview and highlight a woman who has made great contributions within our beloved Sorority Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the engineering world of STEM.Aniecia Browning is a dynamic and accomplished professional currently working as a Customer Engineer at Applied Materials. A recent graduate of East Texas A&M University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Engineering with a focus on Technology Management and is now expanding her expertise by pursuing a Master’s degree in Supply Chain Management. Beyond her engineering career, Aniecia is a dedicated advocate for service and excellence. As a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, she made a significant impact as the Southwest Regional Representative from 2022 to 2024, along with holding other influential leadership roles. Her tenure was defined by strategic leadership, advocacy, and mentorship, leaving a lasting legacy within the organization. With a passion for innovation and a commitment to servant leadership, Aniecia has established a high-profile presence as a woman in engineering, continuously striving to break barriers, inspire others, and drive technological advancements. Her journey exemplifies perseverance, excellence, and the power of representation in STEM.

The 5th episode will dive into the RealityCheck of “Building your brand” and the commitment in being your own BOSS. Entrepreneurship comes with many challenges and opportunities and today we will explore TheRealityCheck of both aspects. Meet Our Guest: Malesa JonesA True Beauty & Business PowerhouseA proud Flint, Michigan native, Lisa is a dynamic entrepreneur who wears many hats with grace and grit. As a licensed realtor and esthetician, she brings beauty, confidence, and security into people’s lives. Whether through radiant skin or dream homes. She is the visionary CEO of Estics by Lisa, where she blends passion and professionalism to empower her clients from the inside out.Beyond her business ventures, Lisa is a devoted mother and proud grandmother, known for her glamorous presence, loving spirit, and relentless work ethic. Her journey is one of resilience, reinvention, and deep-rooted purpose. Ms. Jones is my loving aunt and Esti bestie. This is a family affair of love, laughter, reflection, and growth. During this interview we will share conversation through not only building a brand but also keeping your faith through shared grief and life challenges. Get ready to be inspired by a woman who truly does it all with style and grace. This episode is dedicated to my late cousin Determen F. Jones. We all love and miss you. The family is doing well. Keep watching over us. Rest peacefully. #GunViolenceAwareness #GriefSupport

Realitycheck Episode 4: “What now?” Navigating life after graduating ft. HBCU NATIONAL CHAMPION Isaiah PhillipsThis episode will reveal the Realitycheck of navigating life post graduation. Sometimes our plan and goals won’t always come on our own timing. God will redirect, rewrite, and restore our faith and focus throughout this journey. You will hear the voice of #TheRealitycheck host, alumnus, Great Debater, and recent HBCU graduate Reality Edwards being interviewed by guest host: Isaiah Phillips a Current Wiley University Great Debater, Junior, Majoring in Music education. The best gift to the heart is conversation and understanding. Life and Realitychecks comes fast and here we will flow slow into the realest moments of self discovery, disappointments, development, and gaining that degree. Enjoy 🌹

The Realitycheck Podcast celebrates our 3rd episode! This episode we will discuss the #Realitycheck of trusting Gods plan vs Our plan. Sometimes we go down “non-traditional” path ways. Let’s dive into the realness of not giving up and trusting Gods plan. We welcome special guest Erinne N. Weber or “Mama Weber” to most! Ms. Weber serves as the Assistant Vice President for Student Success and Strategic Retention at Wiley University, where she spearheads initiatives to enhance student engagement, retention, and academic achievement. With extensive experience in higher education, particularly at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Erinne is a passionate advocate for student-centered learning and equity-driven practices.A proud alumna of an HBCU, Erinne holds a Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration with a concentration in HBCUs. Inspired by her upbringing as the daughter of educators and student advocates, she is a sought-after speaker and thought leader committed to advancing excellence and access in higher education. She is the proud mother of two beautiful daughters, Ryan & Giavonni.We celebrate her as she continues her academic journey in receiving her PHD and completing her Masters degree at The Wiley University!

Episode 2: “What does she do?!”What don’t I do. 😊I am a Goddess of many trades, skills, and talents! Today, we will explore the journey of Realitycreations, entrepreneurship, and the power of self discovery. The host will share details of what she does and why she does it. My path has been non traditional and unique. This is The Realitycheck of entrepreneurship! Thank you to my fellow creators, supporters, and self lovers for growing with me as a brand. My business and journey has grown because of you. Thank you, 🌹CEO of Realitycreations / TheRealitycheck podcast

Hey, welcome to THE REALITYCHECK podcast. Where we will check into life, the power of growth, recovery, and communication. Realitychecks happens everyday. This is a space of opportunity to learn and connect because you are not alone. Today we celebrate Father’s Day! This episode is to honor my late father Michael Edwards. I wanted to start my podcast with realness and authenticity. My special guest is the daughter of the great Mc Breed. I welcome her testimony and experience as a Daddy’s girl growing through grief. Today you will hear the conversation of two growing women transformed through grief and love. The REALITYCHECK podcast is here. Thank you for your support. Special guest: Εrica Βreed