Unapologetically Black Unicorns

Wendy White Tiegreen (she/her), MSW, is the former Director of Medicaid and Health System Innovation for the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Disabilities and she is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Wendy shares how she became part of the movement that reshaped mental health services nationwide. They talk about policy battles, the long-term impact of embedding peer specialists into the system and how advocacy, relationships and persistence drive meaningful change. To learn more about Wendy and her work:  Wendy White Tiegreen — Lexicon Strategies   The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Contact the show: [email protected] Transcripts are available on Apple Podcasts.

Taina Martinez (she/her/Ella) is the CEO of Baltic Street Wellness Solutions and she is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Tiana shares her powerful journey from a small retail program to one of the largest peer-led organizations in the country. They talk about education and lived experience, challenging ideas about what it means to belong in peer spaces and emphasizing growth, connection and self-advocacy. To learn more about Baltic Street Wellness Solutions, visit: www.balticstreet.org     You can also connect with Taina on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/taina-borinquen-martinez-msw   Taina's Substack:  https://open.substack.com/pub/tainaborinquen   The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Contact the show: [email protected] Transcripts are available on Apple Podcasts.

Rhonda Smith (she/her) the Executive Director of the California Black Health Network and Yolanda Whittington LCSW (She/Her), is a member of the California Black Health Network’s Behavioral Health Peer Network and they are Unapologetically Black Unicorns. Rhonda and Yolanda discuss the fight for better health outcomes and equity for Black Californians. They discuss an upcoming virtual conference focused on black mental health, share their own health journeys and how they inspired them to serve their communities and build meaningful support systems across the state, the power of collaboration and creating spaces where Black health and wellness remain the priority. To find out more about the CBHN Virtual Mental and Behavioral Health Conference on May 13, 2026 visit: https://yourcbhn.org/hidden-crises/   The Black Healthcare Bill of Rights: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hqWSHxfKxG4oRtyaE8E_38USUA-KfdC_/view   The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Contact the show: [email protected] Transcripts are available on Apple Podcasts.

In this episode of Unapologetically Black Unicorns, Keris tackles a tough and complex subject that requires her to be vulnerable in sharing her thoughts, experiences, research and observations over the years about mental health panels. Keris unpacks the history and harm behind labels like “Serious and Persistent Mental Illness (SPMI)” and “Serious Mental Illness (SMI),” challenging how language can shape fear, stigma and public policy. Keris explores how these terms influence the way people with mental health diagnoses are treated and how they often reinforce barriers instead of supporting recovery. Keris advocates for more compassionate language, community-based care and a full continuum of support that honors people’s humanity and potential. Note: NIMBY = Not In My Back Yard The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Contact the show: [email protected] Transcripts are available on Apple Podcasts.

Dr. John Torous (He/his), MD is a Psychiatrist, Director: digitalpsych.org at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, an expert in “mobile mental health technologies” and an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Dr. Torous shares the concept behind MindApp.org and the connection between technology and mental health. They talk his tech background, how to navigate the privacy settings through your apps, the oversight of the digital mental health space and he the need for digital literacy.   The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Contact the show: [email protected] Transcripts are available on Apple Podcasts.

Keris is joined by Vesper Moore, Meghann O’Leary and Rupi Legha to talk about the launch of Soteria House Las Cruces in New Mexico. They share how Soteria Las Cruces is a home-like residential community program where adults experiencing psychosis or extreme states can find belonging, dignity, respect and healing. They discuss why they want to challenge traditional models of treating psychosis and how approaches like Soteria House are important because they focus on healing, autonomy and understanding rather than labels and hospitalizations. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Contact the show: [email protected] Transcripts are available on Apple Podcasts.

Vesper Moore (they/elle) is a mad liberation and disability justice activist, and they are an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Vesper defines mad liberation and neurodiversity and how they got involved in the field. They talk about opening Respites and the complications with funding, using advocacy in their peer training and learning lessons in everything and everyone. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline   For more information visit: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vespermoore Book Drop The Disorder: Second Edition - https://adisorder4everyone.com/ Website: www.vespermoore.com Kiva Centers: www.kivacenters.org Madness Network News: www.madnessnetworknews.com

Reid Davenport (he/him) is an award-winning documentary filmmaker and he is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Reid talks about disability rights, medical ableism and the things that shape how society values disabled lives. They talk about Reid’s powerful film “Life After” and the issues it raises about the value of a person’s autonomy, the intersectionality of race and disability and the supports people need to live meaningful lives. To learn more about Reid Davenport visit: https://www.reiddavenport.com/   The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Contact the show: [email protected] Transcripts are available on Apple Podcasts.

Reid Davenport (he/him) is an award-winning documentary filmmaker and he is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Reid talks about disability rights, medical ableism and the things that shape how society values disabled lives. They talk about Reid’s powerful film “Life After” and the issues it raises about the value of a person’s autonomy, the intersectionality of race and disability and the supports people need to live meaningful lives. To learn more about Reid Davenport visit: https://www.reiddavenport.com/   The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Contact the show: [email protected] Transcripts are available on Apple Podcasts.

Keris goes solo to share a critical email she received and goes on to focus on the common experience of all the negative self-talk that follows. She explains how someone else’s perception can really affect you and ways to try to move past it. Keris talks about how she was able to go to an event with friends to help refocus her energy but how it really comes down to feeling appreciated, feeling a connection and a sense of community plus how your vulnerability is your superpower.   The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Contact the show: [email protected] Transcripts are available on Apple Podcasts.

Isaac Lara (he/him) is a youth well-being activist, lived experience researcher, peer support advocate and he is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Isaac shares how pets, especially his beloved Yorkie Kiseki, can become lifelines during trauma, depression and recovery. They talk about anticipatory grief, the anxiety of loving a pet whose life span is shorter than our own, and how naming grief can help you begin to cope with it. “You’re Still Alive, so why am I Already Grieving? by Ernesto Isaac Lara : https://www.calameo.com/criscoladesign/read/004070067e80bd2461ef2?authid=cKD2xkljsfeR   The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Contact the show: [email protected] Transcripts are available on Apple Podcasts.

Keris is joined by Joe Powell and Dr. Janer Hernandez and they share their extensive histories in addiction recovery and community leadership. Joe Powell shares stories of his early life as a child performer in Harlem and how the civil rights movement and military service influenced his journey toward becoming a pioneer in the peer recovery movement. Dr. Hernandez advocates for the transition from "safe spaces" to "brave spaces," arguing that true collectivism requires addressing internalized oppression and systemic racism. They talk about working toward a shift in preventative strategies and community-led solutions to dismantle cycles of mass incarceration and poverty. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Contact the show: [email protected] Transcripts are available on Apple Podcasts.

On this episode Keris shares a glimpse into her weekend adventures around Los Angeles, starting with a powerful visit to LACMA to experience Tavares Strachan’s exhibit “The Day Tomorrow Began.” She reflects on art, history and the stories that shape us. Keris talks about inspiration, creativity, those moments that remind you why culture and representation matter and so much more. Fountain Theater Poetry for the People: The June Jordan Experience: https://www.fountaintheatre.com/events/poetry-for-the-people Tavares Strachen – “The Day Tomorrow Began”:  https://www.lacma.org/art/exhibition/tavares-strachan-day-tomorrow-began   The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Contact the show: [email protected] Transcripts are available on Apple Podcasts.

Laura Evans (she/hers) is the Director of Public Policy and Government Affairs at Vibrant Emotional Health and she is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Laura shares how she got involved in policy and some of the color lines she observed in this field. They talk about reading between the lines when breaking down a bill, being strategic with public policy and the focus on climate and climate justice issues. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Contact the show: [email protected] Transcripts are available on Apple Podcasts.

Keris is joined by Dr. Chyrell Bellamy, Dr. Felecia Pullen, Dr. Rupi Legha, Taina B. Martinez and Vesper Moore for an honest, emotional conversation about what it means to be people of color navigating spaces that are often led by white leadership. Together, they reflect on lived experiences of silencing, grief, resilience and the deep frustration of not being heard. They talk about how they want to see more accountability, community and what it will truly take to build movements rooted in trust, equity, and liberation rather than performative unity. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Contact the show: [email protected] Transcripts are available on Apple Podcasts.

Emma Hunt (she/her) founded Signed By Stories and she is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Emma shares why she started Signed By Stories to bring public attention and awareness to the lack of effective, linguistically accessible and culturally affirmative mental health services for deaf and hard of hearing people. They talk about the experiences of growing up a child of a deaf person (CODA), always improving accessibility and trusting that you know what you need to make yourself feel whole. To learn more about “Signed By Stories” visit: https://www.signedbystories.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tv/CfhMprMDcBt/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@signedbystories?_t=ZT-8zj7QRlScaD&_r=1   The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Contact the show: [email protected] Transcripts are available on Apple Podcasts.

Lynn Borton (she/her) is a producer and host of nationally-syndicated radio show and podcast CHOOSE TO BE CURIOUS and she is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. They come together to explore how we can all be more curious and they share why “fake it until you make it” is a good curiosity practice. They talk about connecting with the meaning, purpose and what excites you, why the helpers need to help themselves and being storytellers of hope. CHOOSE TO BE CURIOUS: https://lynnborton.com/   The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Contact the show: [email protected] Transcripts are available on Apple Podcasts.

Keris returns for 2026 not with fireworks or resolutions, but with honesty about grief and the quiet loss of her creative spark. She reflects on pulling the cards of the Dreamer and the Quilt Maker, exploring what happens when creativity goes into self-protection mode in a world that feels draining. 2026 is a year of finding and not forcing.

Carolina Valle, MSW, (She /Hers) is the Senior Policy Director at the California Pan-Ethnic Health Network and she is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Carolina unpacks the impact of her family history and what inspired her to become a social worker. They talk about the diversity of how communities are defining mental health and wellness, some concerns with the CARE Court framework and fighting stereotypes in the field of policy. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline For more information about CPEHN visit: www.cpehn.org

Keris tells a story about a typewriter that’s been passed down through the family and the memories it holds. She talks about the significance of the typewriter to her family, how it brings her joy whenever she looks at it and she discusses the positive impact memories can have on your mental health. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Contact the show: [email protected]

Keris recorded this podcast on Christmas and shares a Christmas memory from her childhood. She shares the struggles people have during the holiday season and the magic of a picture she saw of a Black Santa when she was young. Keris remembers the sacrifices her dad made and she wants you to know that it gets better. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Contact the show: [email protected] Transcripts are available on Apple Podcasts.

Chacku Mathai (he/him) is an activist in the human rights movement for people with psychiatric histories and he is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Chacku shares his journey through immigration, racism, mental health systems, peer support and activism, weaving together his lived experience, cultural wisdom and resistance to oppressive systems. They talk about how they explore what it means to build healing spaces where people do not have to shrink themselves to belong and how liberation, storytelling and collective care are key components of their work.   The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Contact the show: [email protected] Transcripts are available on Apple Podcasts.

In this interactive episode of Unapologetically Black Unicorns, Keris transforms complex policy into “The Medicaid Maze”, a storytelling board game that reveals the real-life challenges of navigating Medicaid. Through dice rolls and card draws, she explores how small policy shifts and everyday barriers can drastically affect people’s health coverage and stability. Blending empathy and advocacy, this episode invites listeners to rethink what it really means to survive and stay covered within America’s healthcare system. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Contact the show: [email protected] Transcripts are available on Apple Podcasts.

Neil Gong (he/him) is an assistant professor of sociology at UC San Diego, where he does research on psychiatric services, homelessness, and how communities seek to maintain social order and he is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Neil explains the genesis of his book “Sons, Daughters and Sidewalk Psychotics” which focuses on mental illness and homelessness in Los Angeles. They talk about the complexities around quality of care and harm reduction, the benefits of using ethnography and covering the three broad problems for US mental health policy from the book. “Sons, Daughters, and Sidewalk Psychotics: Mental Illness and Homelessness in Los Angeles”: https://a.co/d/iOHrgWB   The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Contact the show: [email protected] Transcripts are available on Apple Podcasts.

In this episode Keris invites us to gather around The Truth-Giving Table, a reimagined Thanksgiving ceremony rooted in truth-telling, mourning, gratefulness and freedom. As attacks on diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility continue to threaten honest conversation, Keris shares personal reflections as an African American and Mvskoke  (Muskogee) on what it means to hold gratitude and grief at the same time. Through four powerful movements, each with sensory prompts, reflections and moments of stillness, this episode offers a path toward healing, remembrance and collective liberation. The Truth Giving Table Guidebook.pdf The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Contact the show: [email protected] Transcripts are available on Apple Podcasts.

Keris opens up about grief, political turmoil and the unexpected ways community keeps us grounded when systems fail. In this emotional episode, she reflects on carrying her father’s ashes through a government shutdown and finds hope in collective care. Keris shares a deeply personal story about loss, resilience and how love and community help us move forward even in turbulent times. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Contact the show: [email protected] Transcripts are available on Apple Podcasts.

Dr. Ikwunga Wonodi (he/him) is a psychiatrist, an Afrobeat Poet and he is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Dr. Wonodi talked about what afrobeat poetry represents and his personal journey in becoming an afrobeat poet. They talk about pidgin, how afrobeats has been used as a vehicle for change, his poem and songwriting process and his message on homelessness and mental illness. To listen or purchase Dr. Woondi’s music check out: "Calabash: Afrobeat Poems by Ikwunga Vol.1": https://music.apple.com/us/artist/ikwunga/30240928 “Deep Sleep”: https://music.apple.com/us/album/deep-sleep/270004179   The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Contact the show: [email protected] Transcripts are available on Apple Podcasts.

Dr. Jorge Partida del Toro is a Curandero, a Psychologist with international experience working with child soldiers and building intentional communities and he’s an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Dr. Partida Del Toro gives the backstory for how he got into psychology and how his grandmother played a significant role. They talk about institutional and structural racism, mixing Curanderismo Healing and Western Psychology and valuing the connection to our communities. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Contact the show: [email protected] Transcripts are available on Apple Podcasts.

In this interactive episode of Unapologetically Black Unicorns, Keris transforms complex policy into “The Medicaid Maze”, a storytelling board game that reveals the real-life challenges of navigating Medicaid. Through dice rolls and card draws, she explores how small policy shifts and everyday barriers can drastically affect people’s health coverage and stability. Blending empathy and advocacy, this episode invites listeners to rethink what it really means to survive and stay covered within America’s healthcare system. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Contact the show: [email protected] Transcripts are available on Apple Podcasts.

Alvin Lee (he/him) is the Executive Director of GENup and he is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Alvin shares the backstory of how he got into student activism and what it is like being a young person in a space with older adults. They talk about why education is a fundamental issue for everyone, how his work in education impacts BIPOC communities and why representation matters in school curriculum. For more information visit: https://www.generationup.net/ The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Contact the show: [email protected] Transcripts are available on Apple Podcasts.

In this reflective episode of Unapologetically Black Unicorns, Keris shares a powerful piece of writing she discovered from her late father titled “The Pursuit of Happiness in Angry Times.” Through his reflections on finding peace and balance amid chaos, Keris explores how his words resonate with today’s world of uncertainty. It’s a reminder to embrace nuance, open-mindedness and the “shades of gray” needed to find happiness in our current environment. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Contact the show: [email protected] Transcripts are available on Apple Podcasts.

Keris reflects on the power of being seen and finding belonging in spaces where leaders look like her. She shares how representation restores, heals and inspires, helping to glue the broken pieces of identity back together. Remember that showing up fully and unapologetically is both resistance and hope.   The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Contact the show: [email protected] Transcripts are available on Apple Podcasts.

Ayaan Moledina (He/Him) is the Federal Policy Director at SEAT and he is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Ayaan shares how he knew he wanted to get into the advocacy space at a young age and how it led to him getting in front of Congress to discuss mental health and suicide prevention. They talk about why it’s important to discuss suicide with students in schools and colleges, ways in which students can be aware of the resources that are available to them and empowering young people by letting them share their stories. For more information on SEAT visit: https://www.studentsengaged.org/   The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Contact the show: [email protected] For a direct transcript of this episode visit: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qrsTMjQoj1rdRg_Ramq3e-Gn8L_Ruyow/view Transcripts are also available on Apple Podcasts.

Keris reflects on the 60th anniversary on the March on Washington. The March on Washington was an integral part of the Civil Rights Movement, and Keris focuses on how it brought everyone together for such important causes as jobs and freedom. Keris’ late dad reads a section from Martin Luther King’s speech “Creative Maladjustment” and Keris gives some important background and context for that speech and it ends with a clip of her dad reading that portion of the MLK speech.   The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Contact the show: [email protected] Transcripts are available on Apple Podcasts.

Emma Hunt (she/her) founded Signed By Stories and she is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Emma shares why she started Signed By Stories to bring public attention and awareness to the lack of effective, linguistically accessible and culturally affirmative mental health services for deaf and hard of hearing people. They talk about the experiences of growing up a child of a deaf person (CODA), always improving accessibility and trusting that you know what you need to make yourself feel whole. To learn more about “Signed By Stories” visit: https://www.signedbystories.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tv/CfhMprMDcBt/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@signedbystories?_t=ZT-8zj7QRlScaD&_r=1   The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Contact the show: [email protected] Transcripts are available on Apple Podcasts.

Chris Thomas (he/him) is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of “The Defensive Line” and Martha Thomas (She/her) is the Co-Founder and Chief Education Officer of “The Defensive Line” and they are both Unapologetically Black Unicorns. Chris and Martha share the impact of their son Solomon Thomas (Cowboys Defensive Tackle) and their late daughter Ella and how they were inspired to start “The Defensive Line” which promotes communication and connection around suicide prevention. They talk about the importance of having a conversation around suicide, how our differences should be celebrated and getting everyone the proper resources and an action plan. To learn more about “The Defensive Line” visit: https://thedefensiveline.org/   The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Contact the show: [email protected] Transcripts are available on Apple Podcasts.

Keris dives into the real history of Labor Day, exploring the lives, struggles and exclusions of workers from the 1800s to today. From unsafe factory floors and the Haymarket Affair to modern gig work and systemic inequities, this episode examines who has been included, and who has been left out, of labor protections. Join Keris for a discussion on dignity, equity, mental wellbeing and why honoring rest is an act of resistance. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Contact the show: [email protected] Transcripts are available on Apple Podcasts.

Charlotte Blease, PhD (she/her) is an Academic, Author, Public Speaker and an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Charlotte talks about what influenced her to write a book about AI in health care and the pros and cons of technology in the health care system. They talk about how AI could combat built in biases, how generative AI is already appearing with doctors and patients and truly working on getting the patient the best care possible.   Dr. Bot: Why Doctors Can Fail Us―and How AI Could Save Lives:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/0300247141   Charlotte Blease: https://web-cdn.bsky.app/profile/crblease.bsky.social https://bleaseondrbot.substack.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlotte-blease-phd-207806134/   The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Contact the show: [email protected] Transcripts are available on Apple Podcasts.

Alicia Harris (she/her) is an artist who created her own Tarot and Oracle decks and she is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Alicia talks about the importance of representing recovery in her decks and how she was able to express herself through her artwork. They talk about their healing journeys, following your intuition when interpreting cards and taking that leap of faith and trusting everything will work out. Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheStrawberryTarot IG: https://www.instagram.com/thestrawberrytarot?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==   The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Contact the show: [email protected] Transcripts are available on Apple Podcasts.

Desiree Delonia (she/her) is the Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access (DEIA) with the Disability Rights California, she is also an author, an artist and an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Desiree wrote a book entitled “Rooted in Belonging: A Black Woman’s Guide to Cultivating Inclusive Workplaces” for the Black woman who's been carrying the culture while being overlooked in the process. They talk about the concept of being “rooted in belonging,” what DEIA truly means and offer a reminder to keep showing up as your true self because that is your power, that is your protest and that is your peace.   Here is the link to purchase Rooted in Belonging: A Black Woman’s Guide to Cultivating Inclusive Workplaces: https://a.co/d/i76G7M5 Desiree Delonia Website: www.DesireeDelonia.com   The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Contact the show: [email protected] Transcripts are available on Apple Podcasts.

Sam Tsemberis (he/him) is a community psychology practitioner, the Founder/CEO of the Pathways Housing First Institute and he is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Dr. Tsemberis shares how Housing First got started and why it’s a person-centered program. They talk about the decimation of our public housing system, the questions to ask if you’re entering a housing program and steps for advocates to encourage more housing first models. For more information on Pathways Housing First: https://www.pathwayshousingfirst.org/   The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Transcripts are available on Apple Podcasts.

Gabby Arriaga (she/her) is the founder of Del Toro Mental Health & Wellness and she is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Gabby shares how meditation and breath work has helped improve her life and why it’s important to embrace your inner child. They talk about how recovery looks different for everyone, the idea of symptom suppression and Gabby’s love-led movement. For more information on Del Toro Mental Health Wellness visit: https://linktr.ee/deltoromentalhealthwellness?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=34a1e681-fcbd-48da-9fcc-dc1b6d1ae553   The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Contact the show: [email protected] Transcripts are available on Apple Podcasts.

Ellis Gordon Jr. (he/him) is treasurer of NAMI Urban Los Angeles and he is the former husband of Bebe Moore Campbell. Ellis shares the story of how he met Bebe Moore Campbell and why it was so important to name the month of July after Bebe. They talk about the inception of NAMI Urban Los Angeles, how NAMI is community-centric and community-centered and continuing the goal of erasing the stigma.   This episode is sponsored by Janssen Neuroscience and Supported by The Painted Brain, a California based Peer Run Organization. https://paintedbrain.org/ubu-black-mental-health/   The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Contact the show: [email protected]

Emily Dossett, MD is a Reproductive Psychiatrist and Michele Nguyen, MD is a Maternal-Fetal Medicine physician and they both are Unapologetically Black Unicorns. Dr. Dossett and Dr. Nguyen share the purpose of Reproductive Psychiatric Advance Directives (Repo PAD) and how it’s in an opportunity and tool to empower the person receiving services. They discuss the intersection of reproductive justice and mental health, the barriers in implementing a Repro PAD and the value of discussing reproductive goals in mental health care.   PowerPoint Deck-Reproductive Advanced Directives: An Innovative Approach to Mental Health Care: http://bit.ly/4ktuaIl Journal Article - Reproductive psychiatric advance directives: promoting autonomy for perinatal people with serious mental illness diagnoses: https://bit.ly/44KvAZ6   The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Contact the show: [email protected]

Elizabeth Morrison PhD, LCSW, MAC (she/her) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, a certified Master Addiction Counselor, the Co-Creator of the LCA and she is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Elizabeth talks about the Lay Counselor Academy and why lived experience is key. They talk about tapping into people’s core gift, supporting employee mental health and why we don’t need to fix people when they share their struggles with you. For more information on the Lay Counselor Academy: https://www.emorrisonconsulting.com/   The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Contact the show: [email protected] Transcripts of this episode are available on Apple Podcasts.

On the eve of Independence Day, the House passed the “One Big Beautiful Bill”, a $4.5 trillion package. Inside that bill…over $1 trillion in cuts to Medicaid and Medicare over ten years. So Keris has a conversation with ‘Medicaid’ to see how it felt about the bill passing. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Contact the show: [email protected] Transcripts are available on Apple Podcasts.

Keris celebrates a birthday, her late father’s birthday. Keris shares how she found a journal that she got her dad for a Father’s Day in 1997 and she reads a story that her dad wrote in that very journal on his birthday June 22, 1997. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Contact the show: [email protected] Transcripts are available on Apple Podcasts.

Elizabeth Morrison PhD, LCSW, MAC (she/her) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, a certified Master Addiction Counselor, the Co-Creator of the LCA and she is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Elizabeth talks about the Lay Counselor Academy and why lived experience is key. They talk about tapping into people’s core gift, supporting employee mental health and why we don’t need to fix people when they share their struggles with you. For more information on the Lay Counselor Academy: https://www.emorrisonconsulting.com/   The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Contact the show: [email protected] Transcripts of this episode are available on Apple Podcasts.

Lauren Clark (She/Her), PhD, RN, FAAN, is a Professor of Nursing at UCLA, a teacher in the Disability Studies Department, and an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. In this episode, Lauren shares insights from her work and reflects on the groundbreaking legacy of Judy Heumann, a trailblazer in disability advocacy. She discusses how they aim to continue Judy’s work through their community partnership project at the Judy Heumann Lab, focusing on the intersectionality of disability, mental health, and immigration/citizenship, and its impact on the campus community. They also explore the concept of “chasms of care,” the importance of language, and the power of community in this work.   Our Judy Heumann Lab: https://dslabs.ucla.edu/chasms-in-the-continuum-of-care-for-people-with-psychiatric-disabilities/ https://dslabs.ucla.edu/labs/heumann-community-partnerships-lab/2023-2/   The overall Judy Heumann Lab initiative: https://dslabs.ucla.edu/labs/heumann-community-partnerships-lab/   UCLA Disability Studies https://www.uei.ucla.edu/academic-programs/disability-studies/   UCLA Disability Studies Inclusion Labs https://dslabs.ucla.edu/disability-studies/   UCLA Disability Studies creates first disability studies major at a California public university https://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/news/ucla-creates-first-disability-studies-major-california-public-university   The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Contact the show: [email protected]

Keris celebrates a birthday, along with her birthday triplets, which also marks the anniversary of the release of the podcast. This episode is about the hauntings of the ghost network and how we can fight back against its evil ways. Tell your story about ghost networks: PERSONAL (patient and or family members): https://app.storyprompt.com/reply/VNszzRw78dtaNiOfWw3atp     PROVIDER: https://app.storyprompt.com/reply/ezEfe7sWZnJWJhcobOgM     The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline   Contact the show: [email protected]   Transcripts are available on Apple Podcasts.